Dallas ISD students crossed the stage during a summer commencement ceremony recognizing graduates who earned their diplomas after completing additional work following the traditional school year.
The ceremony was hosted by the district’s Graduation, Recovery, Attendance/Advocacy, and Dropout Intervention department, known as GRAAD. The district said the event celebrated scholars who put in extra time and effort to complete graduation requirements.
The graduates are moving into a range of next steps, including enrolling in higher education, entering the workforce and enlisting in the military, according to the district.
“High school graduation indicates completion at the highest standard for the educational journey,” Leslie Swann, director of Advocacy & Outreach for the GRAAD department, said. “It’s the shining star at the end. It signifies that a scholar is a finisher. The journey may be different, the graduation outcome the same. Each scholar has a story of persistence, determination, and a will to achieve.”
Dallas ISD said students were supported through credit recovery and acceleration programs at district reconnection centers. GRAAD team members provided mentorship, daily encouragement and goal-setting support as students worked toward completing their diplomas.
The district congratulated the summer Class of 2026 as graduates begin their next steps.
