Graduating senior credits perseverance, community support
It’s been said that a positive attitude often leads to positive outcomes. Spencer High School 2023 Senior Jose Beck is living proof.
Beck, who participated in the Clay County PALS mentorship program from fifth through tenth grade, has experienced several challenges as he worked toward his high school diploma. In spite of set-backs suffered during his high school career, he is on task to walk across the stage at the Spencer Field House this May 21, set to receive the honor with great pride.
Beck – known for his positive attitude, quick smile, and cheerful demeanor – acknowledges he wouldn’t be where he is today without the help and support of an amazing network of professionals, friends, and cheerleaders from the Spencer area.
He joined Clay County PALS as a mentee in fifth grade, matched with adult mentor and area social worker Gerald Rath. When Rath moved from Spencer, Jose was rematched with Fostoria business owner Dan Renken, until he turned 16 and graduated from the program. While in middle school, Beck also participated in the Spencer Middle School’s Tiger Mentors program, where he was matched with adult mentor Tom Howe of Spencer. Beck remains friendly with his former adult mentors yet today.
During Beck’s time as a mentee within Clay County PALS, his biggest champion remained Mrs. Eileen Gengler, longtime Spencer High School Counselor who retired in 2018 and longtime PALS President, until her sudden death in January 2022.
“During high school, I’ve had to work hard. I had some things happen in life that were really hard to handle. I thought I should just quit school and go to work full time. But I remember Mrs. Gengler always encouraged me to keep going. She promised me that if I’d stay in school and get my diploma that the PALS Board would throw me a big party to celebrate my graduation. When she died last year, I was so sad. I really miss her. She always encouraged me.” Beck said. “The PALS Board told me they would keep Mrs. G’s promise to have my party, and I’m holding them to it.”
Clay County PALS Coordinator Susan Christensen explained that while Beck has faced significant challenges during his time in school, he’s always kept a positive attitude and held down a part-time job at McDonalds and the Hy-Vee kitchen. This winter, he was also able to move into his own efficiency apartment.
“Most seniors in high school haven’t been required to make such mature decisions as Jose has been forced to do,” Christensen explained. “We have been amazed by the kindness of people who have stepped up and advocated for Jose over the years. When Jose moved into his own apartment, it was as if God opened up the sky and rained down blessings upon him. There are so many people who appreciate this kid and want to see him succeed.”
She noted that Ryan Janness, a transition specialist/social worker with Hope Haven, and Rebecca Goeken, director of Clay County General Relief, assisted Beck in securing his apartment and additional services.
“Beck’s educational support system goes back to elementary school. But he often recounts the daily encouragement he received from Cindy Glover at Spencer Middle School, Randy Barrick, and Lisa Duffy at Spencer High School. These educators have helped him tread water in the proverbial ‘deep end of the pool’ while he worked toward graduation. It’s been a blessing to see the end results. I hope they know how much their serves have meant to Jose,” Christensen explained. “There is also been a group of community members who have filled in the gaps in the most amazing ways over the years. Jose had his entire apartment outfitted with a beautiful, new bed, furnishings, and numerous other quality items by those who have quietly cheered him from the sidelines.”
Beck has received tuxedo donations, cap and gown, new clothes, rent assistance, haircuts, a stocked pantry, and additional niceties as he marched toward the mortar board. Last fall, Beck began working at Spencer Hy-Vee in the kitchen through the SHS’s career exploration class. Following graduation, he has been promised a full-time job with benefits at Hy-Vee. Beck has eagerly accepted the offer.
Mentorship will remain an integral part of Beck’s newly-minted adult life as Bill Kersting of Spencer plans to serve as adult mentor for financial and daily living direction, Christensen explained.
Recently, Jose spent the afternoon at the Christensen home, addressing graduation invitations and making plans for his long-promised party. He hand-penned invitations to teachers, family, and friends who have helped him reach his monumental goal.
“I really wish Mrs. G was alive to come to my party. I know she would be so proud of me! I am going to thank my teachers and all the people who believed in me. It’s been a long road to get to graduation, but I’m excited about my future. I’ve got big plans. I’m going to be working at Hy-Vee, saving my money, and plan buy my own home someday,” Beck said.
Beck’s graduation party will be hosted by the Clay County PALS Board of Directors on Sunday, April 30 from 2-4 p.m. at Stoneybrook Club House in Spencer. All who have participated in his journey are invited to help him celebrate