7 graduated as Summer 2026 Class of Devine Learning Academy

Seven students received their high school diplomas Monday night, August 17 from Devine ISD through the Devine Learning Academy. DLA is a program designed to support young students that weren’t able to complete high school due to missing a few credits, serving as a chance to finish.
Opening the ceremony were the graduates as they made their entrance, proceeded by the national anthem, pledge of allegiance from Mr. Tristan Canales, and a prayer and speech from Miss Jozelyn Costilla.
Jodi Dziernowski, DAEP principal, spoke at the ceremony, commending the resilience and drive of the graduating class.
“Every student here has a story−a story of challenges, of setbacks, of days that felt too heavy…and yet you showed up anyway. You kept going,” Dziernowski said. She reminded the graduates of the long journey they still have ahead of them. More importantly though, Mrs. Dziernowski spoke to the confidence that all seven of these individuals deserve to walk out with, knowing they are capable of doing hard things.
As they step into the next chapter of their lives, each will pursue their own career paths. Some of the paths these individuals plan on taking are going to school for wound care, culinary arts, joining the marines, working construction and working at Mil Veranos Vineyard.
Mrs. Nancy Pepper, respective members of the Devine ISD school board and Superintendent Dr. Todd Grandjean – “I certify that the Summer of 2026 graduating students of Devine Learning Academy has met the graduation requirements as mandated in board policy and the state of Texas to participate in this commencement ceremony.”
Graduated with their high school diplomas were:
TRISTAN CANALES – son of David Canales and Sherilyn Fuentes Quail Energy
JOZELYNN REY COSTILLA – daughter of Jessica Contreas and the late Quentin Rodriguez
JOEL ESPITIA – son of Socorro Bentancourt and Andres Espitia
RUSSELL DUANE ORBAN – son of Roger Orban and Andrea Caldwell
ISABELLA MICHELLE RAMOS SILVA – daughter of Mr. Quirino Ramos and Michelle Silva
MATTHEW RIOJAS – son of Stephanie LaFond and Jason Riojas and grandson of Scott and Chris LaFond and Brian and Diane Casper
LUCAS SHANE RODRIGUEZ – son of Brenda Espinoza and the late Luciano