Inspiring Dallas Can Academy Student Overcomes to Walk Across the Graduation Stage

Student thrives with teacher support and guidance and receive diploma

DALLAS – June 30, 2016 – There is a saying that it is not a sprint, but a marathon when it comes to working hard for something. Most graduating students from Dallas Can Academy struggled in a traditional high school setting or were looking for an opportunity to continue their education and have flexibility to work, raise a child or do both.

Nadia Rangel is one of the spring graduates who made the choice to ignore negative influences and focus on her goal to graduate from high school.  The Dallas Can Academy, Oak Cliff campus senior credits dedicated teachers and advisors that believed in her and pushed her to do her best in school for helping her earn her high school diploma. Her self-confidence grew with her teachers’ consistent support and encouragement. Rangel took her second chance at high school with Dallas Can Academy’s Oak Cliff campus instead of letting her past define her. She enrolled with Dallas Can after struggling in a traditional high school due to incredibly difficult circumstances.

Rangel grew up in foster care when her mother lost parental rights from due to her substance abuse and her father was in prison. She dropped out of school to help pay the bills, but was still eager for an education that catered to her needs. Rangel is now graduating and continuing her education through the El Centro College internship program. This program allows students to receive a higher education while at the same time working to earn money and experience that will put them ahead of the curve. Her dedicated personality is contagious and, along with her education, will carry her through in the pursuit of her dreams.

Nadia’s story is just one of several at the spring commencement ceremonies of students from the five Dallas Can Academies.

“The opportunities that our graduates have are endless.  It is our job as educators to make sure we encourage and support our students and guide them down the right path in life so they can win the race,” said Richard Marquez, CEO of Texans Can Academies. “We are dedicated to helping them understand that a strong education is the key to winning.”

About Texans Can Academies

Celebrating 30 years of providing the highest quality education for all students, Texans Can schools are graduating thinkers.  Texans Can Academies are a unique network of 11 charter schools located in Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston and San Antonio. The schools are tuition-free, open enrollment, public high schools of choice serving students who have struggled in a traditional high school setting. To date, more than 130,000 youth have been given a second chance at life with the opportunity to pursue their dreams. Cars for Kids is a 501(c)3 tax exempt organization benefiting Texans Can Academies and is the only car donation program in Texas that is operated by the charity it serves. For more information, visit: http://www.texanscan.org or http://www.carsforkids.org.