Devine Learning Center hosted Fall Class of 2021 graduation

Devine graduate Hannah Blackwell
Devine graduate Gabriel Natal

The Devine Learning Center Fall Class of 2021 hosted their graduation ceremony at the Devine ISD School Board meeting on December 13, 2021. This makes 33 students they have helped complete their high school diploma through this unique program which opened in August of 2020.
Graduate Gabriel Natal led the National Anthem and the Pledge of Allegiance.
Graduate Hannah Blackwell gave the student opening and prayer, “First off I want to say congratulations to myself and all the graduates of DLC. I also want to say a big thank you to Mrs. D and everyone involved for giving us the opportunity to be where we are right now. Some of us along with myself didn’t think we would be here today, but me made it and we’ve proved we are much stronger than the battles we go through. A chapter has closed and a new one awaits. I am beyond proud of how far we have come along. Do not take today’s achievement lightly. Today is our day”.
Jodi Ann Dzierzanowski, DAEP Principal/Truancy Prevention Coordinator led the ceremony, “I stand here before you today with a group of inspiring young men and women who can bring to mind only one word…perseverance,” said Dzierzanowski. “I have known these students for many years. I have seen them grow from being young teenagers to young adults. Along the way, they have tried, fallen, pulled up their boot strings and tried again, more than once. All of these students had made it to the senior year in high school with a few lost credits along the way…when… what I like to say is “life happened” and again it got them off track. So close.”

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She went on to say, “With this opportunity given by both Dr. Grandjean and the Members of the Board, these students picked themselves up once again and persevered! Mrs. Castro, Mr. Oropeza, and I are so proud of them and all so honored to have been able to work with them. Welcome to the Graduation ceremonies of the Fall Class of 2021.
CERTIFICATION OF THE CLASS – “On behalf of the staff of Devine Learning Center, we wish the Spring class of 2021 congratulations and continued success in your future.”
“Dr. Grandjean, President Pepper, members of the Devine I.S.D. school board I certify that the Fall Class of 2021 of Devine Learning Center has met the graduation requirements as mandated in board policy and the state of Texas to participate in this commencement ceremony.”
Board members and guests stood to congratulate the graduates: Hannah Nicole Blackwell, daughter of Nicole Dirk and Michael Blackwell; and Gabriel Angel Natal, son of Monica and Gill Soto.
“Class of 2021, please stand, and move your tassels! Ladies and Gentleman, I present you, the December Class of 2021,” she said proudly.