The ceremony, this year held in the school’s gymnasium instead of its usual location at the Alpena High School auditorium, was intimate and warm. Lunch tables, neatly refolded, created benches where graduates sat with their supporters as Director Laura Stibitz encouraged the departing class with a brief speech.

“You worked hard, pushed yourself, and did what you had to do to make the dream of graduation a reality,” Stibitz told the students.

Mid-speech, Stibitz paused to give the grads a moment to thank their families for support through high school. She led the students in a round of applause for the school staff, who “even called home to tell on you,” Stibitz said, to student laughter.

After the brief formality of the presentation of the class to Alpena Public Schools Board of Education President Gordon Snow, the graduates turned their tassels and were released into the world, with a first stop at a tray of purple- and silver-frosted cupcakes.

News Photo by Julie Riddle Seated behind fellow graduate Caleb Quintel, Aleigha Strzelecki rocks red shoes at a Wednesday graduation ceremony at ACES Academy in Alpena.

Hugs and photo ops in the small gym eventually wrapped up, and most graduates and their families drifted outdoors. As workers cleared graduate nametags off of repurposed lunch-table benches and wondered what to do with leftover cupcakes, two women, bedecked with wild hair ribbons and “2021” headbands, bounded into the back of the room, shaking a “Congratulations, Grad” banner.

Graduate Thomas O’Dell, with a delighted grin, greeted his junior high teachers with high-fives as they cheered their former student.

“There’s only one success,” reads the motto chosen by the ACES class of 2021 — “to be able to live your life in your own way.”

News Photo by Julie Riddle A guest captures the moment as ACES Academy graduate Alexander Gallagher turns his tassel at a graduation ceremony at the school on Wednesday.

News Photo by Julie Riddle Graduate Chloe Brothers hugs a guest after a graduation ceremony at ACES Academy in Alpena on Wednesday.

News Photo by Julie Riddle ACES Academy graduates Zoe Boyle, left, and Charlie Wood pose for photos after a graduation ceremony at the Alpena school on Wednesday.

Graduate Aleigha Strzelecki’s smile shines through her mask at a graduation ceremony at ACES Academy in Alpena on Wednesday.