Brianna Grajeda is embracing a world of new opportunities after returning to finish her education at Options High School in August. After dropping out of high school during her senior year, she decided to turn her life around and seek a brighter future for herself and her family.
With the unwavering encouragement of her family, teachers, staff and school administrators, Brianna earned her high school diploma in October, demonstrating that with the right support, anything is possible.
“I came back to school because I wanted to get myself going, get a good career or a good job for my kids and be something for them and provide for them,” Brianna said. Her children, 5-month-old Nathan, 3-year-old Ivy, and 2-year-old Aaliyah, will watch her graduate from Options High School in December.
In recognition of her outstanding accomplishments, Brianna was selected to recite the Pledge of Allegiance at the Socorro ISD Board of Trustees regular meeting in October.
Brianna recalled losing focus in high school. She spent more time with friends than in class and her excessive absences led to a significant loss of credit. She eventually left school in 2021, but finding a job without a high school diploma was almost impossible, and she began to regret her decision.
“It was horrible,” Brianna recalled. “It was really bad because every job I would try to get, they either wanted a diploma or GED, and I didn't have it. So, I was at the point where I just literally gave up.”
Her mom encouraged Brianna to email Options High School Principal Dr. Theresa Hentges about returning to school. Soon after, Hentges responded to Brianna, eager to help the 23-year-old get back in the classroom.
“She did all the work. I simply just opened the door for her to do it, but it's still one of those proud moments,” Hentges said. “I can't wait to watch her walk across the stage. That is the best thing.”
Hentges said that some students, like Brianna, who once struggled in a traditional school, have found a different environment and way of learning at Options, leading to their success.
The school offers a non-traditional education for students up to 26 years old who have struggled in a traditional school setting. It provides various academic options for credit recovery and loss of credit and a unique competency-based learning system to help students earn a high school diploma.
“All of the systems that are here not only support them academically but also support them socially and emotionally and have facilitated their success,” Hentges said.
As a result, the school has achieved a 100% graduation rate, and its enrollment has doubled to 150 students from last year. It has also expanded its postsecondary options for students, offering level I certifications in diesel mechanic technology; heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC); and electrical technology with El Paso Community College, enabling students to gain meaningful employment after graduation.
In August, the school celebrated its A rating from the Texas Education Agency. The A rating recognizes schools with excellent student achievement, graduation rates, college, career and military readiness, school progress and closing achievement gaps.
Hentges attributed the school’s success to the dedicated teachers, staff and school administrators who are all in to helping students such as Brianna succeed.
Brianna said her teachers encouraged her to persevere, pushed her when she faltered and celebrated her accomplishments. She said the school provided her with the structure she needed to stay on course to graduate. She attended school for half a day from Monday through Friday, taking eight courses to help her get ready for the End-of-Course (EOC) assessments.
“On the first day, Brianna came in ready to work asking, ‘What do I need to do? How does this program work? Can I work on this at home?,’” said Arsy Chavez, Brianna’s U.S. history teacher. “It was boots to the ground. She wanted to get started and finish up.”
Additionally, Brianna was able to enroll two of her children in the Option High School's Head Start program on campus, making it possible for her to balance her studies and parenthood.
“They really helped me a lot,” said Brianna, who would recommend Options High School to anyone considering returning to school for their diploma. “I was actually nervous coming back, but they pushed me to do my best. I'm so glad I came back.”
Brianna plans to continue her education at El Paso Community College and pursue a certification in automotive technology and become a mechanic.
She is determined to make her children, family, and her younger brother, who is a sophomore at Eastlake High School, proud. On her last day of school, she woke up feeling good knowing that her future was full of opportunities.
“I’m just happy because I did it for my kids, so they can see that I worked hard, and they can look up to me and see they can do it, too,” Brianna said.