Congratulations Class of 2018!

A number of students in our residential programs graduated from high school this spring. We couldn't be prouder!

Shayna is an outgoing leader who accomplished a lot during her high school days. In addition to acting, writing and debate activities, she was on the varsity cheer team and served as a reporter for the Itasca Paw Print Press. A National Honor Society member, Shayna was elected vice president of her senior class. She loves spending time with friends and family and going to church every week. She looks forward to college life at the University of North Texas.

Before Gunner arrived at PCHAS, “I had pretty much raised myself,” he says. His adoptive father died when Gunner was only seven and his relationship with his adoptive mother was poor. By age 18, Gunner was very angry and frustrated. The staff worked with him on his anger issues and helped him identify his strengths. Today, Gunner is more patient and uses his energy productively in hobbies such as football and carpentry. He feels hopeful about his future. His goals are to “become a carpenter, get married, have a house and two kids.”

Pasifique is a natural athlete who enjoys time outside with his friends. Playing football and running cross country were special extracurricular activities during high school. After graduation, “Pasi” is interested in studying culinary arts and pursuing a career in cooking.

When Michael came to the PCHAS Residential Treatment Center at 17, medical issues had interfered with his education as well as his social behavior. Over the past two years he has made good progress academically and socially. He learned valuable life skills and discovered that he enjoys helping people. Michael’s interests include Boy Scouts and church activities. He looks forward to being a policeman or firefighter after he graduates.

Rhiannon has come a long way. She is doing well in school and people like being around her. But when she came into PCHAS’ care, she was depressed and feeling hopeless. With support and guidance from the PCHAS staff, she became more stable and more open with other people. In her free time, she likes reading and crafting. Her first goal after graduation is “to go home and spend time with family,” Rhiannon says. “Then I plan to go to college to become a firefighter.”

Slade is all about community. Not only is he involved with the leadership group on the Itasca PCHAS campus, he is a member of the Technology Student Association (TSA) at Waxahachie High School and an active member of his church. Ministry is a big part of Slade’s life, and he loves to work, teach and minister on mission trips with his youth group. According to Slade, he is “the first one to jump into a project, especially when helping others, and the last one to quit.” Slade plans to join the Job Corps after graduating.

Sierra entered a PCHAS program at 16 when it became too risky to live with family. She feels PCHAS “helped a lot” with her learning to deal with people. She enjoys math, basketball, volleyball and singing. Asked about her goals after graduation, Sierra answers, “A job!”

Anthony has 10 siblings and came to live at PCHAS as a junior. In addition to playing the violin, he also participated in football at school. He works part-time in catering and hopes to own his own restaurant one day. To achieve that goal, Anthony will study culinary arts and restaurant management at Texas State Technical College. 

Matthew is a positive spirit devoted to helping people. While he enjoys quiet activities like walking and reading, Matthew successfully balances school and a job at the local Dollar General where, he says, he gets to talk to people and help them find what they’re looking for. After earning basic college credits at Navarro College, Matthew wants to attend the University of Texas at Dallas, where he will major in either video game development or geology.