The Selma Disabilities Advocacy Program celebrated the end of the school year and honored a soon-to-be graduate Thursday by handing out trophies and certificates.

The program, Carolyn C. Bates said is a combination of the Child Advocacy Academic Programs and Behavior Adjustment Technical Education Service Alternative programs, which focus on helping young people in Selma reach their full potential.

Though the end of the school year is sad, she said it is also rewarding.

“We’re always excited to see the last report cards coming in because a lot of them end up on the honor roll,” she said of the program that serves students with and without disabilities. “We enjoy looking back and seeing how their grades have increased and how much they enjoy being a part of this organization.”

Because there are 35 students in the program, Bates said she relies heavily on her tutors to help out. The tutors, she said, come from all walks of life.

“Some of them are college students and others are just people who come to us and say they would like to help,” she said. “We look at them very carefully so we can find the best fit.”

Tyshawn Mosely, who will graduate from Selma High next week, said he has enjoyed the program and made a lot of progress.

“It’s fun,” he said. “I like to come here every day and see everybody.”

A number of students said they have seen a difference in their academics since coming on board. Clark Elementary School student Justin Franklin said the tutors are always quick to help out when needed.

“They help me with my work, especially math,” he said. “My grades are going up.”

Edgewood Elementary School student TeMarcus Powell, said he knows coming to the center will help him in the long run, as well as this school year.

“I know when I come here I am doing what I need to do to succeed,” he said. “I know I’ll be able to help my family.”

Bates said word of mouth has drawn many students to the program.

“Sometimes they might have a brother or sister in the program and see how it works, then they want to be a part of it too,” she said. “It really is for everybody.”