Golden students graduate STARS
By GEORGIA PURDY Newsboy Correspondent

When the Southeast Texas Academic Recovery School (STARS) opened its doors in February of 2006, JISD it seemed like a great idea, but no one knew if it would be a sure-fire success. But the flame burned brightly Dec. 17, when 10 students received their diplomas. It was the largest graduation class to date.

The school is designed to encourage young people, ages 16-21, to compete their degree. STARS has graduated 24 students since its inception.

Knosha Lastine Bartee, one of Monday night's graduates said that the journey to graduation has been long and hard. She then thanked her daughter who, she said, "is my inspiration to do this."

Jessica Marie Blair also took the podium to thank, by name, all of the teachers and administrator Andy Golden for the help they have given her.

"I thank you because you didn't give up on me," Blair said. "Without you, the dream of becoming the first high school graduate in my family would not be a reality."

"It took a team of people with a goal and those who donated funds to help you achieve this," Dean said. "My challenge to you is to give back to the community."

Andy Golden, who took over as administrator in January 2007, said there are currently 36 students enrolled in the school not counting the 10 graduates.

"Hopefully, we will have 12 more graduates in May," Golden said.

"What I've seen is that there is something going on at home- something going on in their lives that caused them to drop out of school," he said. "Rarely is it because they couldn't do the school work."

Golden also praised the school's staff.

"I want to give a special 'thank you' to Arthur Kees, Johnny Ray Williams, Sharon Lamoreaux and Joe Keller for all of their hard work," he said.

High school graduation is frequently not the end of these students' education. For example, Jonathan Jamall Farr came to the school to complete English, economics and government so he could go to the Lamar welding school.

Whether they go on to complete additional career preparation courses or not, Golden says that his experience with these young people has been positive.