Townsend Community School graduates 275

SANDUSKY — Montana Shears received his second chance to graduate.In March 2015, the Newark resident was arrested after he became involved in a dispute a few months before graduation. The arrest could have come with a six-month jail sentence."After that, I went back to school and the only thing going through my mind was 'what's the point,'" he said during Townsend Community School's graduation Tuesday. "I had given up, because if I were to do six months in jail, my dreams of becoming a Marine or cop would be no more."Shears gave up on school for some time, but soon found the charter school. At about that time, however, he found out his relationship with his girlfriend wasn't solid and his beloved dog, Scooter, disappeared."After I left my ex-girlfriend, I gave up again and found myself living in a tent in the woods alone because I didn't have anywhere to go … Eight months I lived in that tent, I guess I could say I kinda lost who I was in those woods."Suddenly, Shears questioned his life. He checked his mail to find the charter school was going to withdraw him.Townsend Community School student Montana Shears speaks during graduation at the Sandusky State Theatre on Tuesday, June 5, 2018. "When I read the letter, something clicked in my mind and that day I turned in like three or four exams and wrote a personal letter begging them to give me more time," he said. "And they did, and I really appreciate it and can't thank this school enough for giving me a chance."Due to his perseverance, he's on standby for the Marines and will likely travel to Paris Island for training in the coming months. He thanked TCS and his mother for pushing him to completion."As long as you keep fighting, anything and everything is possible," he said.Stories similar to Shear's journey were shared during Townsend Community School's graduation Tuesday evening. In front of family and friends, more than 200 area residents received their diplomas.Classmate Hannah Windisch enrolled at Townsend after she started having seizures her sophomore year of high school and couldn't attend on a regular basis."If it wasn't for Townsend, I wouldn't be standing here with the class of 2018," she said.Family and friends cheered loudly as each graduate walked across the stage and shook hands with TCS superintendent Pete Bartkowiak, who gave additional advice."Remember your accomplishments and use them to go toward your life goals," he said.A Townsend Community School graduate smiles after the graduation ceremony at the Sandusky State Theatre on Tuesday, June 5, 2018. Townsend Community School class of 2018• 275 graduates• 69 percent going to college• 24 percent entering the workforce• 7 percent enlisting into the militaryReach reporter Caitlin Nearhood at nearhood@sanduskyregister.com, follow her on Twitter @CaitlinNearhood and on Facebook.com/CaitliNearhoodTownsend Community School graduates toss their caps into the air after the graduation ceremony at the Sandusky State Theatre on Tuesday, June 5, 2018.