STARS students take hold of second chance
By GEORGIA PURDY

MEMBERS OF THE SECOND STARS graduating class include Desiree’ Marie Tillery, La’Tresha Shanae Byerly Cade, Erika Nicole Cratic, David Navarrete, Majesty Domanique Reed and Alan Michael Isom.

Six students received high school diplomas Monday night at the second Southeast Texas Recovery School (STARS) graduation ceremony since the school opened in February. That brings the total to nine.

STARS is Jasper Independent School District’s credit recovery school for students who, for a variety of reasons, did not complete school.

Two of the six graduates, Desiree’ Marie Tillery and Erika Nicole Cratic spoke at the ceremony, thanking staff, family and friends for their support and encouragement.

When retiring administrator Kenneth Deen introduced the second speaker, Erika Cratic, he said that she was the first student to enroll. Because her mother died and she had younger brothers and sisters to take care of, she was not able to finish school.

“Erika was the first student who came to me, wanting to get her diploma,” Deen said. “She has worked so hard. Although she was exempt from the regular TAAS test because she had been a Special Education student, she chose to complete a regular education program and take the tests. It took more than one try, but she passed each section. I am so proud of her.”

“I wouldn’t have reached my goals without STARS,” Cratic said, as she thanked the staff for their support. “I never thought I would be standing here.”

Interim Superintendent Bill Dean challenged the graduates to be productive

citizens and give back to the community and asked the audience to imagine being in their various situations.

“Today is a big day for these students,” he said. “Put yourself in their places. They dealt with the same problems that other teenagers did, but were also dealing with other problems. Imagine the courage it takes to walk into a building that doesn’t even resemble a school. It takes courage, determination and strength to do what you (graduates) have done. You truly deserve to be commended. Never forget this day. Never forget the sacrifices you made to get here.”

In addition to Tillery and Cratic, the six graduates included La’Tresha Shanae Byerly Cade, Alan Michael Isom, David Navarrete, and Majesty Domanique Reed.