MYcroSchool’s class of 2015 is thrilled graduation day is finally here.

"It’s one of the biggest events of my life," said 19-year-old graduate Nicholas Coard.

"It is awesome, it is like the most exciting feeling," said 21-year-old NyQura Battle.

On Wednesday night, 20 students graduate from MYcroSchool Pinellas, a tuition-free public charter school.

The school opened in August 2012 and serves 250 students ages 16 to 21.

Statistics show 90 percent of the students live in poverty. Some are homeless, some are teen parents, others struggle with personal or academic problems.

Social studies teacher Glenn Walker says students respond well to the self-paced curriculum.

"I think what makes our school different is the more opportunity for one-on-one with students," said Walker.

Zia Ficocelli says she’s the first in her family to graduate from high school. The 17-year-old likes being able to choose between morning or afternoon classes and says the self-paced curriculum fits her learning style.

"I can work at my own pace and I work really fast, like I learn things and bring it all in really fast and get it done and over with," said Ficocelli.

Other students need more time.

Battle says after giving up, she’s back on track.

"I decided to go to PTEC to get my GED but then I thought that was giving up on myself so I came to MYcro," said Battle.

Many of the graduates thought they’d never see the day they would put on a cap and gown and receive a diploma.

Coard said he was caught up in the wrong crowd, not attending class and getting into trouble.

"I had to learn respect, I had to learn self-discipline I had to learn courage to get it all done," said Coard.

These graduates are now looking forward to the next chapter in their lives.