Friday, May 17, 2024
Education can be intimidating; even more so for younger, inexperienced minds. Taking the initial step of kickstarting their academic journey opens a doorway to influence their futures from that moment forward.
Windham School District hosted the inaugural graduation of the Jovita González de Mireles (Mireles) High School, located at the Woodman campus in Gatesville, on March 3. The district’s high school program follows requirements in accordance with the Texas Education Agency and are certified High School Diploma (HSD) programs. Established in February 2022, the duration of program participants’ enrollment in the Mireles High School varies depending on numerous factors including the number of credits needed to earn the HSD. After months of rigorous course work, three women — Lexus Cadena, Lesly Facundo and Keilee Scott — received their high school diplomas.
“Windham School District is incredibly proud to celebrate the accomplishments of our graduates,” Superintendent Kristina J. Hartman said. “This is a monumental achievement, and I look forward to seeing these women apply what they’ve learned in the high school classroom as they progress to postsecondary education and employment within our Texas communities.”
Being named as the valedictorian of her class, Scott said she honed in on her love for learning, pushing herself to achieve a goal she’d always labeled as necessary.
“At first, I was hesitant, it was intimidating,” Scott said. “I was nervous about being able to focus being surrounded with my peers. But this was something that needed to be done. I wanted this achievement.”
Facing the struggles of being one of the first students to attend the Mireles High School, Scott said she continuously pushed herself, despite her challenges.
“There were times when I wanted to give up or that I was frustrated with myself in the classroom,” Scott said. “But I realized my long-term goals and I kept going.”
With her diploma in hand, Scott credits her academic teacher, Ms. Wallace, for helping her discover her passion for mathematics, leading her to want to pursue a career in architecture.
“This is a checkpoint in my life,” Scott said. “Ms. Wallace helped me love math. I want to continue learning.”
Facundo said she felt behind in her education. Upon starting at the Mireles High School, she felt herself inspired to become more invested in what she was learning.
“I was nervous, and I was doubting if I would be able to get my diploma,” Facundo said. “But I knew this was going to help me through my whole life. Being young, it is going to help me make better choices.”
Her first day in the classroom, Facundo found herself having to tackle her biggest obstacle — being willing to break out of her shell and interact with her peers and instructor. That was a task her academic teacher, Ms. Flaniken, helped her achieve.
“I had to be more open to asking questions and communicating,” Facundo said. “Even if it was hard, I had to be open-minded. Ms. Flaniken encouraged me through the hard moments.”
Turning her tassel in front of the next set of prospective Mireles High School students, Facundo encourages them to take the leap, and motivate themselves the same way she did for herself.
“You can do what you’ve always wanted,” Facundo said. “No matter the circumstances, it is never too late.”
Lauren Hatfield, Windham High School coordinator, said she looks forward to the growth of Mireles High School and the opportunities the program serves to its students.
“These women have made unbelievable progress to get them to graduation,” Hatfield said. “Educators at the Woodman campus have worked diligently to ensure their students are prepared to make further goals for themselves. When they leave from the classroom, they are equipped with all of the necessary tools and skills to succeed.”
Taking control of her future, Scott said she hopes the women who follow her footsteps across the stage at graduation feel as inspired as she did in that moment.
“I hope the next class that comes through feel as proud as I do right now,” Scott said. “I want this to encourage women to get their high school diplomas.”
