Fort Worth ISD’s newest alumni received their high school diplomas in a special graduation ceremony in their honor June 6. 30 former FWISD students from 12 high schools who did not graduate with their senior class got the full graduation experience, wearing caps and gowns while “Pomp and Circumstance” played as they walked the stage at South Hills High School. The new graduates celebrated with friends and family at a reception after the ceremony.  See the joy and emotional student testimonials in the video.

The ceremony included remarks by FWISD Board of Education Trustee Anael Luebanos, Superintendent Dr. Angélica M. Ramsey, and two former students who earned their high school diplomas that eluded them for many years.

LaMarcus LaMar Edwards and Ashley Nichole Palacious delivered remarks on behalf of students in the Fort Worth ISD Fresh Start Diploma Program. Both students encountered obstacles that prevented their graduation with their classes; both now have successful careers and are overjoyed to add high school diploma to their accomplishments.

Students like LaMarcus and Nichole have earned high school diplomas over the last few years thanks to the Fort Worth ISD Fresh Start Diploma Program. Effective May 2018, the Texas State Board of Education passed a rule allowing individuals who entered ninth grade prior to the 2011-2012 school year the ability to earn a high school diploma if certain criteria are met. Since 2018, FWISD has awarded high school diplomas to 128 former students with the new criteria.

Former FWISD students who want to learn more about the Fresh Start Diploma Program can go to www.fwisd.org/freshstart for more information.