Texas Tech K-12 International Students Graduate with Dual Diplomas

By Leslie Cranford, section manager

Two of Texas Tech High School’s international partners hosted commencement ceremonies in June. Eleven students each earned two diplomas concurrently: one from their local high school and one from Texas Tech K-12.

Bridge Academy, Haiti

Haiti’s Bridge Academy, located in Port-au-Prince, graduated seven students June 16. These students include Matthias Arthur, Charles Delatour, Densleene Elisma, Luidjy Jean, Nathan Jean Baptiste, Laura Riccardi, and valedictorian Caréna Bellabe.

Scott Lucas, Texas Tech K-12’s superintendent, spoke to the group via Zoom, praising their resiliency and encouraging them to reflect on the journey they’ve completed, and to use what they’ve experienced to forge their future.

“Each of you has family, friends, neighbors and teachers whose support gave you the strength and courage to keep going – to stay resilient in the most difficult of circumstances,” he said.

“As you look forward to the future, carry with you the lessons learned within these walls—the importance of curiosity, the power of collaboration, and the courage to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth. It is important that we remember these things. … today you stand on the threshold of endless possibilities, armed with the foundation laid by your experiences.”

Tatiana Behrmann, academic director for Bridge Academy, reflected on the often-challenging experiences these students had.

“After an especially difficult year combined with three previous troublesome years that have made up this group’s high school career, it is worth pausing to recognize and praise its achievements,” Behrmann said. “It also is important to note we would not have made it to this point if not for our partner, TTU K-12’s understanding and steadfast support.”

Instituto Césare, Cancún

Instituto Césare in Cancún, Mexico, had four students collect their diplomas June 28. They are Lorenza Solís, Miranda Ramírez, Nicole Carrillo and Camila Sánchez.

Jared Lay, Texas Tech K-12 director of recruitment and partnerships, along with many other staff, teachers and administrators, sent congratulatory comments by video.

“I wanted to take time to say thank you to all the seniors who are graduating on this exciting day,” Lay said. “We look forward to the great things you’ll do in the future, and just keep on keeping on.”

Claudia Boy Loecken, program coordinator for Césare, said it has been a delight to accompany Miranda, Lorenza, Camila and Nicole through their Texas Tech K-12 high school journey. They united as a family and faced their personal and academic challenges as a unit.

Loecken said it was wonderful to see how they engaged with their teacher, Jessica Byrd, and the rest of their Texas Tech K-12 teachers and how they improved themselves until they found it easier to get organized and meet deadlines.

“We called them our Texas girls,” she added. “Many times, you could hear them working and singing, which was a delightful display of good humor. For them, their 'Texas time’ was special – a space of peace and creativity – quiet and away from the stress of their senior year. We are very proud of them. They will be missed."