GREEN COVE SPRINGS – Wayne Stevenson wasn’t a troublemaker in elementary or junior high school. Most of the time, he was so oblivious to his surroundings that he almost seemed invisible.

He tried to pay attention, but his mind wandered. A teacher's words suddenly became muddled, so his attention shut down. When he was stumped by a question, he became frustrated and gave up. He was so easily distracted, and classwork started to feel more like punishment.

“I’ve always suffered from a lack of attention at school, but ever since, I’d say, about fifth grade, when I stepped in school, it was really dull for me,” he said. “I’ve always been behind academically. In my junior year, I really started to slow down to a pace where they stopped me. They told me I wasn’t going to make it unless something changed.”

That something was Elevation Academy.

Instead of quietly failing, Wayne will now graduate on May 24. Instead of reluctantly accepting a future of wasted opportunities, Wayne is excited and focused. Instead of being confined by his inattention, Wayne feels his life has a purpose.

“In a normal classroom, you have one teacher and 30 kids,” he said. “Here, it’s like 20 kids and four teachers, and they’re much more outgoing. If you need help, they’re always available to help. Instead of getting frustrated, pushing the computer away, and shutting down, asking questions and getting help is easy.

“Ever since I got to Elevation, everyone here has been supportive.”

Elevation Academy is part of the Bannerman Learning Center. According to the Clay County District Schools, Bannerman prepares non-traditional students for global and competitive workplace success by acquiring positive life skills and becoming life-long learners. It’s a special program for students who need a positive, safe and supportive environment.

That difference made a significant impact on Wayne. Without it, he probably wouldn’t have finished school.

“I was bored, and I fell asleep in class. I got frustrated and didn’t want to do it anymore,” he said. “They helped me turn things around and be able to graduate. Now I have a future.”

Wayne said he’s worked with metal for years and figured he’d weld and cut iron and steel after graduation. But a field trip opened his eyes to other opportunities.

“I want to work in forestry,” he said. “I decided I want to be a forest ranger. We went on a field trip, and forestry was right up my alley.

I have long-distance goals now. I’m positive about my future instead of negative. I feel good that I sat in the classroom and did my work. I feel good that I’ve accomplished a lot.”