Five more receive diploma through STARS
By GEORGIA PURDY Newsboy Correspondent

Newsboy photo/Georgia Purdy STARS grads are Jaina Breaux Shook, Dustin Ray Lynch, Rachel Lynn Ford, and Kaleb Adam Felts. Brittany Leighanna Barnett also received her high school diploma but did not participate in the ceremony.

Five students received high school diplomas at the third STARS graduation ceremony Monday, May 21. The Southeast Texas Academic Recovery School (STARS) opened in February, 2006 and graduated the first students in May of that year.

The school, operated by Jasper Independent School District, serves students ages 16-21, who for a variety of reasons, left high school before completing requirements for a high school diploma.

New graduates include Brittany Leighanna Barnett, Kaleb Adam Felts, Rachel Lynn Ford, Dustin Ray Lynch, and Jaina Breaux Shook.

Several of the students spoke about their experiences. Kaleb Felts said he was proud of finishing high school and thanked those who have supported him.

"I've had a little bit of trouble through the years, but one thing I'm proud of is finishing high school," Felts said. "Anyone has the power to do what they want as long as they set their mind to it."

Dustin Lynch said he never envisioned being able to get his diploma.

"I was looking for a GED the day I found this place," he said. "I never picked myself as being able to do this."

Jaina Shook said she never thought she would be married and have a daughter by the time she was ready to finish school.

"If anyone asked me 18 years ago if I would be married and have a daughter, I would have said no," Shook said. "Having a daughter to take care of made it tough to try to go to school, but the STARS campus allowed me to do that. I am thankful for my husband's support and the support of family and friends."

Superintendent Bill Dean addressed the group by complimenting them on their achievement and asking them to never forget the sacrifices made in order to get a diploma.

"This is a big day for you," he said. "It takes courage to walk through the doors of a campus that doesn't even look like a school. It took strength, courage, and determination to achieve this accomplishment."

Dean also asked the audience to put themselves in the place of these students and realize that they not only faced the problems that other students face but also special circumstances that affected their ability to complete school.

He then challenged the students to give back to the community and to never forget what personal courage it took to achieve a difficult goal.

"Many adults do not understand what you have learned," he said. "It took a lot of work to achieve the creation of this campus. You are the benefactors of caring people in this community. Give back to the community and do not forget the sacrifices you made to get a diploma. Build on this accomplishment."