. >> a denman alumni, a beacon center alumni, who came back and worked at the beacon center. and now is a school district employee. >> yes. [cheers and applause] >> let's hear his story. >> thank you, i appreciate that. raise this up a little bit. first, i give glory and honor to god for this opportunity and everybody else in their rightful places. much like what she was saying, i was a former participant here, i am a native san franciscan and worked for the beacon program. i am here and proud of it. i did receive my diploma, but i am still here. now, i never would have thought i would return to this place or be back in the positions -- the opportunities that i was given. while working for the beacon, i climbed the ladder. i started off as support and ended as site coordinator. and it was a wonderful opportunity. the beacon has given me so many opportunities and i want to give them thanks for where i am in my life. i grew into the young man i am today. and james denman middle school,ive to give them credit. it's wonderful to hear they opened up the school during the weekend,