Ernesto Hernandez’s Second Chance at Diploma Was a Lesson His Mother Knew All Too Well

Before I enrolled at Ector County Acceleration Academies, I was skipping school almost every day. I wasn’t going to class, and graduating was becoming harder and harder.

For years, Salajah believed she had hit a wall.

Carolina Shores Acceleration Academy graduate balances works, college coursework, Eagle Scout achievements, leadership roles and community service while earning her high school diploma At just 16 years old, Ellanore "Ella" Cashwell has already built a resume that would be impressive for someone...

For Lee County Acceleration Academies graduation candidate Norah Stearns, art has never been just a hobby. It’s part of who she is.

When twin sisters Amaya and Aubrey walked through the doors of Santa Rosa Acceleration Academies last August, they weren’t sure what to expect.

On most days at DeKalb County Acceleration Academies (DAA), you’ll find Terrell and Jayden not too far from each other — joking, checking in on their course progress and quietly keeping each other accountable.

When you meet 17-year-old Victoria Lopez — affectionately known as Tori by her friends and family — you’re struck by her warmth, confidence and passion for helping others.

At 19, Julius Hall has big dreams of joining the U.S. Air Force. There is just one thing standing in his way: a high school diploma.