Born with autism spectrum disorder, John Thompson did not begin speaking until he was eight years old. He was homeschooled and had no prior experience with public school before enrolling at The Excel Center® in Shelbyville, Goodwill’s tuition-free high school for adults. As a result, he lacked experience socializing in an academic setting and worried that his peers might not accept him. 

“I was nervous, but since my first day, I loved it,” John said. “Going to The Excel Center was a stepping stone for my success in entering the working world.” 

John worked tirelessly – never missing a day of school – while winning the hearts of staff and peers alike. In 2021, he received his Indiana Core 40 high school diploma, graduating with honors and a Certified Business Professional credential from The Excel Center. 

In addition to a high school diploma, The Excel Center offers college credits, individualized coaching and industry-recognized job certifications, along with onsite child care, transportation assistance and college and career readiness assistance – all at no cost. With flexible scheduling and expedited curriculum, students can graduate quickly and pursue postsecondary pathways such as a career with family-sustaining wages or enrollment at a college or university. 

Upon graduation, John worked with his Goodwill Mission Coach – a life and career coach assigned to him by The Excel Center – who helped him secure employment at the Goodwill retail store in Shelbyville by assisting with his job application and performing mock interviews with him.

“John is one of the most positive people I have ever met,” said Kent A. Kramer, president and CEO of Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana. “He approaches every conversation with kindness and an open heart, and he goes out of his way to make everyone feel comfortable and welcome. I am proud to call him a colleague and a friend.” 

In addition to John’s academic and professional success, he is a gifted singer and pianist, delighting the crowd with his performance at Goodwill UNBOXED in 2022. He was even named the Shelby Idol in 2010.

As a result of his accomplishments, John was recently honored with Goodwill Industries International’s Achiever of the Year award, which recognizes a person who has shown great progress in overcoming challenges to finding employment and still benefits from the Goodwill work environment.

To learn more about The Excel Center or to enroll, visit excelcenter.org.

Looking for a new career? Check out our job openings: goodwillindy.org/careers