Bright Future Ahead

Olivia

Before she came to Cassata, Olivia says she’d had enough and disliked school. She struggled in many of her courses, and the class sizes were so big that teachers weren’t available for enough one-on-one help. By the end of her first semester of her old school, Olivia had skipped 6th and 7th period at least 7th times. She was truant and failing nearly all her classes.Olivia says that coming to Cassata has been one of the best decisions of her life. She re-took all of the classes she failed in public school and was able to get A’s. The smaller classes allow teachers to work with Olivia one-on-one. “My good grades didn’t go unnoticed either. There is always someone here complimenting when I do good, and that is really encouraging. My attitude about school has completely changed,” Olivia said.
Olivia hopes to go on to college after graduation, “Cassata truly is a wonderful place, and I wouldn’t change anything about it! The students, the teachers, the staff and the way we do things here are just amazing, and I think everyone here would agree with that.”

Sara

Cassata student Sara Minnerly was selected as one of only 10 students from across DFW for the Bank of America Student Leaders Program. This program provides high school students with a valuable perspective on civic, social and business partnerships. Sara spent the summer in a paid internship with a local nonprofit and participated in an all-expenses paid Leadership Summit in Washington D.C. at summer’s end.

Roshun

Roshun completed high school in 2006 but was unable to graduate because she had trouble passing the TAKS test. Two years later, Roshun made the decision to attend Cassata to receive her diploma because she wanted to set a positive example for her daughter.  The environment at Cassata has enabled Roshun to flourish and become more confident.  After graduation this year, Roshun plans to attend Tarrant County College to become a graphic designer/photographer.

Sumaila

Sumaila, a senior, attended several schools before Cassata but always dropped out within three months of enrolling. Back then, Sumaila says he was, “doing stuff I wasn’t supposed to do, not being a leader, not thinking about tomorrow or my future.” After he had two children, Sumaila decided to devote his future to his kids and began working toward creating a successful future. Sumaila has been at Cassata for two years and says he is stronger now for not being a quitter. He is ready to listen to all the people who are trying to help him and looks forward to graduating soon.

Ashley

Ashley says she was ready to give up before Cassata completely changed her life. She appreciates the teachers who are always willing to talk and who encourage her to strive for anything. In addition, Cassata’s individualized instruction leaves Ashley feeling challenged but not overwhelmed, “The assignments aren’t just the same questions and answers—we have to use our brains. I like having a challenge once in awhile.”