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It’s Never Too Late to Graduate!
Published June 15, 2022
What: Fort Worth ISD Fresh Start Diploma Program Graduation
When: Monday, June 27, 5:30 – 7 p.m. (graduation ceremony followed by a reception)
Where: I.M. Terrell Academy for STEM & VPA auditorium, 1900 I.M. Terrell Way Fort Worth, TX 76102
Visuals: Long after their high school years, former Fort Worth ISD students will receive diplomas
It’s Never Too Late to Graduate!
Fort Worth ISD Program Provides Former Students a Second Chance at a High School Diploma; Honors Students’ Perseverance with First-ever Graduation Ceremony
Sixteen former Fort Worth ISD (FWISD) students from eight high schools who did not graduate with their senior class will walk the stage in a special, first-ever graduation ceremony on Monday, June 27, 5:30-7 p.m. The ceremony will be in the I.M. Terrell Academy for STEM and VPA auditorium, followed by a reception.
These students have earned their high school diplomas over the last few years, thanks to the Fort Worth ISD Fresh Start Diploma Program and at least one of the following criteria established by the State Board of Education in 2018:
- Meet the performance standard on an alternate assessment (SAT or ACT)
- Perform satisfactorily on the applicable subject area test of a state-approved high school equivalency examination (GED test, HISET exam, or the TASC test),
- Provide evidence of attainment of an industry-recognized postsecondary license or certification,
- Provide evidence of current active-duty service in the armed forces or a DD Form 214 indicating honorable or general discharge from the armed forces; or
- Complete college-level coursework and earned college credit.
Since 2018, FWISD has awarded high school diplomas to 59 former students with the new criteria. Until now, former students picked up their diplomas after submitting documentation to show they met the new criteria, but there was no ceremony to mark this accomplishment.
The graduation will begin with a slide show featuring photos of the new graduates that will play as guests arrive. The ceremony will include remarks by FWISD Board of Education President Tobi Jackson, Chief of Schools Jerry Moore, and two students who will share their stories of overcoming personal obstacles to earn their diplomas.
“We want to celebrate these new graduates, congratulate them for their perseverance, and encourage others to seek their high school diploma. It’s never too late to get a Fresh Start,” said FWISD Chief of Schools Jerry Moore.