Many of the 27 graduates from Pima Vocational High School never thought they'd put on the cap and gown, walk down the aisle to "Pomp & Circumstance," and receive their diploma. But on Thursday night, that dream became a reality for these students.
All of these students have faced serious challenges while trying to attend school. Some of them became young parents, others were homeless, many of them dropped out at some point during the course of their education. Some of the graduates attended three other high schools, and found out traditional schooling wasn't for them.
However, Thursday night wasn't one to focus on the negatives of the past. Instead, it was a moment for these graduates to celebrate how far they've come from their pasts, and the bright future ahead.
While addressing the crowd, each student shared their story, and what they hope to accomplish next. One student is the first in his family to graduate from high school, and he's going on to medical school. Other students plan on pursuing a variety of careers, from veterinarians to firefighters.
