(Photo: Mark Twain High School’s Class of 2008 takes center stage. Ana Tintocalis/KPBS )
Its graduation week for high schools across San Diego County. Almost seven thousand seniors in the San Diego Unified School District got their diplomas yesterday. KPBS Education Reporter Ana Tintocalis spoke to one class of grads who defied the odds.
One-by-one seniors at Mark Twain High School shook hands with their principal and smiled for the cameras. Some of the grads say they never thought they'd make it this day. Twain is a continuation school for teens who gave up or nearly gave up on school. Teachers and counselors help them get back on track academically despite facing social pressures in their home and communities.
Eighteen-year-old Michelle Michel got pregnant during her freshman year. Her son was later diagnosed with cerebral palsy. She says the people at Twain stuck by her side
Michel: Its just great to be able to walk. There as a point in my life where I did fee like I wasn't going to be able to make it because of all the stress. But I just kept going and, you know, the school really helped out. They never let me down.
Michel now plans to continue her academic career. She will attend Grossmont Community College next year.
Ana Tintocalis, KPBS News
