(January 11, 2021) Seven students graduated from HISD’s P.R.I.D.E. Academy Monday evening at a ceremony attended by proud family and friends of the graduates. P.R.I.D.E. is a non-traditional instructional program for high school students in Henderson.
Montgomery Campus Principal Clay Freeman congratulated the group on their hard work and dedication to earning their high school diploma.
“You can only control two things in your life: attitude and effort,” said Freeman. “There’s been a lot of things out of our control this year. But giving a great effort and having a good attitude will help you be successful.”
Henderson High School Principal Dea Henry told the students she knew they were going to be successful in life because they had already faced adversity and learned to adapt.
“Many of you have faced difficulties and when plan ‘A’ didn’t work, you switch to plan ‘B’,” said Henry. “You’ve done something many people much older and with more education than you haven’t done well this you. You pivoted. You’ve proven that you can overcome challenges and keep going.”
Graduating senior, Kaitlyn Arnold summed up the night in her speech.
“What a ride this has been!” said Arnold. “So many changes, so many disappointments, but what I have discovered is you can’ do it alone.” Arnold went on to thank her teachers and administrators as well as her family for their support.
Graduating seniors included Kaitlyn Arnold, Dy’Asia Ballard, Toreana Brown, Gaylondrick Hart, Alexis Herrera, Adam Roberson, and Henry Trubey.
P.R.I.D.E. students are selected through an application process twice annually and must meet enrollment qualifications before admission is granted. Enrollment in the academy is limited.
The 2020-21 school year will be P.R.I.D.E. Academy’s 12th year of operation, having helped over 250 high school students reach graduation successfully through a computer-based instructional platform.