Graduation season... Life's true valedictorians.....

[Kyoko]

 I am so over joyed today.

Some of you may know, but I work as a school social worker at local public school. Part of my job is to assist homeless students with transportation and other school needs to ensure their success in school. I also work as a mental health therapist for kids some of  the evenings as my second job.

Today was overwhelmingly joyful day for me to hear two wonderful news. I thought these two seniors are really, true valedictorians in my eyes. They over came life's most significant obstacles and proudly graduate this Friday. 

 

Student K.L from my school... He attended our school last year as 11th grader, but moved to Georgia in the middle of the year with his mom. His mom is chronically ill and is disable, and it is just he and his mom. They moved back to Pittsburgh around December, only to find themselves homeless and living in the Salvation Army Shelter. Because they are homeless, they had no proof to show where they lived in order for K.L to register for school. Many school district around the areas turned him down for this very reason. But, I figured, we are the last school he attended in state of PA, so we registered him. However, our guidance stated that some of his credit he earned in Georgia will not be transferred since we did not offer those courses, and he will have to do another year of senior year in order for him to graduate. He was becoming agitated and discouraged by this time. But K.L was determined to graduate this year, he and I worked together to find alternative options. He chose to attend diploma retrieval program, and vigorously worked to finish up all of the required courses. During this time, his mom has been hospitalized and he had to care for her as well. Honestly, I thought he would be able to finish by end of the summer if he worked very hard, and/ or may be by December. This afternoon, he left me a phone message. " Ms. Henson, my graduation is this Friday I would love you to come." It made me cry......

 

J.B was my client from my second job. Before I met her, she lived with her bipolar and drug addicted mom until age 10... she was so smart, one day, she called her grandmother and told her that she would have to come get her and her younger sister because mom was on drug. I met her after grandmother got a custody of her. She had significant behavioral issues, did not do well at all academically, running away,  getting in trouble with law,  etc....  school had suggested that she should be tested for special education. grandmother believed in her and fought with school, hired private tutor, did everything she can possibly do to improve her granddaughter.  She successfully discharged from the care of my agency about a year ago... Today she texted me and said," Kyoko, are you coming to my graduation? I am graduating with Honor! I have an Honor rope!"

 

These kids whose life situation has been so difficult, but were determined to graduate, are the true valedictorians in my eyes......

 

 

[Lori, Quincy & Frankie]

I agree-  we are all proud of you too!  

[Deanna & Desi & Cori]

This is so wonderful and a testament to the difference one or two loving individuals can make in a trouble kid's life!  My hat's off to you and the work you do!!  

[Camilla and Darwin]

What amazing stories these both are, the determination in the face of adversity is truly inspiring. And you are so wonderful for doing this job, and helping these students get their diplomas. Well done all!

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Awesome! Great news

[Kyoko]

I just got an email from local Intermediate Unit.  The program is purchasing 2 new lap tops and can donate the two older ones to these kids once the Intemediate Unit declare them to be obsolete. I am so excited!!

[Kyoko]

Thank you all. I am just sooo proud of their accomplishment. I know that they can do anything and achieve anything after this great accomplishment!! Hopefully oneday, they will be able to encourage others and be a model for those who has difficulties in their lives.

[Bonnie and Kona]

Kyoko, these stories are so inspirational! Thank you for working hard for these children and congratulations to them for overcoming what seem to be insurmountable obstacles! 

[Lonnie & Libby Lu]

Congratulations to these students and also to you Kyoko!

[Pat and Traveler]

Inspiring and heart-warming!  Kudos to the kids, and to you for seeing their value and helping. 

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

Bravo ...