Devine ISD hosted a graduation ceremony for the first seven students to take advantage of the resources of the new Devine Learning Center, a program designed to help students who are lacking a few hours to complete their high school diploma. It was a very heartwarming evening for all in attendance to see the smiles on the student’s faces and hear of all their accomplishments.
“In the traditional maroon graduation cap and gown the following seven graduated on Monday, December 14, 2020:
ALIYAH JONELL ARIZOLA, ALEXIS CHEYENNE CRUZ, ANGEL SHAYLA DE LA GARZA, NOAH ALEXZANDER GARZA, JAY JOEL LASCANO, JACOB RYAN PADILLA and MIKALE ALAN WILLIAMS.
“The Devine Learning Center proudly hosted our first graduation ceremony for the first seven graduating students Monday night at the Devine ISD School Board Meeting. These students worked online and with the help of Mrs. Linda Stanton, Mr. Bartolemi Oropeza, and myself”, said Mrs. JodiAnn Dzierzanowski, DAEP Principal. “These students were able to successfully complete the requirement for the High School Diploma.
The program is designed to help students up to age 20 complete their classes missing to finish up their high school education and obtain their high school diploma.
“These students realized the importance of an education and a diploma and how many doors it opens for their future employment and education. We are so proud of all their hard work and dedication and we are excited to be able to help them complete their goals and make a difference in their lives. They are an inspiration to us all and prove it can be done even after high school with dedication and teamwork.”
“We are extremely excited and proud of the students finishing their coursework and earning their diplomas. There are many times in life where we are presented what situations that cause a change in plans, and we have to adapt. For one reason or another, these students may have had to delay their high school journey- but now they have achieved what they set out to do! Mrs. D came to us with the idea if setting up this campus, and the school board was behind the project 100%. I think that shows amazing dedication to all of the students of our community”, said DISD Superintendent Todd Grandjean.
Certification of Graduates
“Good evening ladies and gentlemen. I stand here before you today with a group of inspiring young men and women who can bring to mind only one word…perseverance. I have known most of these students for many years. I have seen them grow from being young teenagers to young adults.”, said Dziernowski. “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 got them off track. So close. With this opportunity given by both Dr. Grandjean and the Members of the Board, All these students picked themselves up once again and succeeded! Mrs. Stanton, Mr. Oropeza, and I are all so honored to have been able to work with them. Welcome to the Graduation ceremonies of the Fall Class of 2020.
“At this time, please rise and acknowledge The Devine Learning Center Fall Class of 2020 as we begin the processional.”
CERTIFICATION OF THE CLASS – “On behalf of the staff of De vine Learning Center, we wish the Fall class of 2020 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 2020 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.”
“Will the students rise and Aliyah, please lead your class in receiving their diplomas.” “Class of 2020, please stand” “Class of 2020, move your tassels!Ladies and Gentleman, I present you, the Fall Class of 2020. “Graduates will you please lead us in our Alma Mater.”
Congratulations to Principal Dzierzanowski, staff and students and Devine ISD administration and board for starting this new program this year.
Action items at the meeting included:
Keri James moved and seconded by Chris Davis to approve a resolution for the purchase and renovation of a building by Medina County Appraisal District as presented. This motion passed. Yea: 5, Nay: 0, Absent: 2.
Henry Moreno moved and seconded by Phillip Fitch to approve substitute teacher pay schedule as presented. This motion passed. Yea: 5, Nay: 0, Absent: 2.
Chris Davis moved and seconded by Keri James to Approve Final Payment and Retainage to Way Service Ltd for Energy Project as presented. This motion passed. Yea: 5, Nay: 0, Absent: 2
Henry Moreno moved and seconded by Chris Davis to approve budget amendment as presented. This motion passed. Yea: 5, Nay: 0, Absent: 2.
Chris Davis moved and seconded by Henry Moreno to hire Christopher Riley as High School English Teacher and Joslyn Wilson as District Head Nurse as recommended by Superintendent. This motion passed. Yea: 5, Nay: 0, Absent: 2.
Meeting adjourned at 9:02 p.m.
By Kathleen Calame
Publisher