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A New Crop of High School Graduates Includes Unlikely Candidates

Thousands of high school seniors in San Diego graduate on Tuesday. Among them, a special class of students who beat the odds. KPBS reporter Ana Tintocalis has more.

A New Crop of High School Graduates Includes Unlikely Candidates

(Photo: Four of Garfield’s top graduates take center stage. Blue Ramos (left), Ashlie Halton (middle) and Natalie Hernandez (right).)

Thousands of high school seniors in San Diego graduate on Tuesday. Among them, a special class of students who beat the odds. KPBS reporter Ana Tintocalis has more.

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More than 150 seniors from Garfield High School wore blue caps and gowns as they filed into the auditorium. Most didn't think they would make it to this day. Garfield is a continuation school for teens who drop out or fall behind.

Natalie Hernandez thought her life was over when she became pregnant after middle school. But thanks to Garfield's pregnant minor program and child care centers, Natalie graduates this year with honors.

Hernandez : I had nowhere to live, no plans, no dreams, no future. It was a hard road, but with the help of my loving grandmother, I was able to overcome all the hardships and struggles.

The 18-year-old attends her first day of college tomorrow.

Ana Tintocalis, KPBS News.