The road to success can take many paths and most seem to include some measure of courage, perseverance and determination.
On Tuesday, beginning a week of commencement ceremonies in Killeen ISD, proud parents and friends celebrated with a small group of impressive students during the district’s annual Specialized Learning Graduation.
Thirty students representing Killeen, Ellison, Shoemaker, Chaparral and Harker Heights high schools crossed the auditorium stage at Shoemaker High School to receive congratulations and their diplomas as supporters cheered them on.
Prior to the presentation of diplomas, Amna Masroor, a KISD alumna gave testimony of her journey through the district’s Specialized Education program that led to employment.
The former student said she has Down’s Syndrome and recalls that some questioned her abilities. With the help of friends, family and educators and through her own determination, she finished the same program the graduating students finished.
Recognizing the new graduates’ natural concern over an uncertain future, she urged them to continue on and to keep offering kindness to others and to keep believing in themselves.
“It was not always easy, but I kept going,” she said, explaining that she wanted to return to KISD to give back to those who helped her.
Masroor, a personal care service provider in KISD transportation, said she has been employed in the school district seven years.
“You don’t have to have your future figured out,” she told the new graduates, “just keep believing in yourself.”
Director of Transition Services Jacquelyn Bellard grew emotional as she praised the graduates and offered motivation for the future.
“Along the way they have demonstrated resilience in the face of challenge to reach their goals showing strength going forward even when the path was not easy,” she said.
Real world experience, independence, self-advocacy and employability were part of the accomplishments the graduates met.
Bellard praised family members and the team of educators who poured love and expertise into the students’ lives and schooling.
“Your dedication and patience and belief in every student have made a lasting impact. You have not only taught skills, you have built confidence, fostered independence and created opportunity.”
Photos: www.killeenisd.org/photos
Specialized Learning Class of 2026 graduates:
Ellison
Kendra Renee Atwood
Angelina Sofia Gonzaga
Ja’Kya Danniel Howard
Kane Alexander Nichols
K’Mara Simone Scales
Alana Danielle Whitfield
Chaparral
Shania Brown
Heidi Gennesis Villasenor
Zion Avant Vincent
Harker Heights
Daniel Alberto Echevarria Aponte
Alexandria Brooke Flores
Sapana Budha Magar
Delfin Santana Villafana
Vivianne Iman Stewart
Killeen
Priscilla Marie Burns
Nia Danielle Cofer
Carol Linda Gutierrez
Amaya Marie Halverson
Emmanuel Micah Theodore Nelson
Joshua Alexander Oliver
Nathan Wayne Price Bailey
Luis Miguel Trujillo Rodriguez
Shoemaker
Kiesha Marie Abdul-Aziz
Harold Aaron Hamilton II
Karie Maree Lajoice
Marcus Kamren Martin
Cristiano Jude Rico
Elliesha Tatiana Tatem
Raymond Thomas
Joshua Rene Wells