Jesus Garcia figured he wanted to be a graphic designer; working with computers, after all, seemed like a good fit, but along the way, he found something probably more lucrative.
Garcia will graduate from high school next week, and he's ready to enter the workforce as a welder. His stepdad Victor Medina couldn't be happier.
"He's been working with me, and he's really good," said Medina.
Tivy High School senior Jesus Garcia is congratulated by Kerrville Mayor Judy Eychner. Garcia is set to pursue a welding career after he graduates from Tivy next week. |
Garcia was one of 18 high school seniors honored Friday night by the Doyle School Community Center — all live in the Doyle Community. It was another way the re-vamped center figured it could give back to the community.
"We want you to know that we are proud of you," said Clifton Fifer, a product of both the Doyle School and Tivy High School. Fifer, who has long advocated for the community center, never seemed to stop smiling through the festivities.
"I want all of you to look around this room; yes, turn your head and look around, and every person in this room, whether you know them or not, is proud of you," said Natarsha Sanders, a Doyle School Community Center board member, who served as the keynote speaker.
Garcia wasn't watching Sanders or Fifer speak because he focused intently on his interpreter — Rebekah Remlinger. Garcia is deaf.
Remlinger interpreted the speeches throughout the ceremony as Garcia carefully nodded in agreement. Garcia has some hearing and can speak English and Spanish, but his preferred method of communication is American Sign Language.
Garcia has taken to welding in the last year and is already working with his stepdad.
Each of the students in attendance had their names read; they received gifts and then selected a quilt that a Doyle quilting group made. It was a memorable night for every graduate, but even better for those who volunteered to make it happen.
Tivy High School senior Delilah Hernandez is graduated by Kerrville Mayor Judy Eychner. |
Hill Country High School senior Faith Orenlas is congratulated by Doyle School Community Center board member Bessie Fifer. |
Tivy High School senior Jose Gonzales receives gifts from the Doyle School Community Center board of directors. |
Tivy High School senior Tyreona Benson is congratulated by Kerrville Mayor Judy Eychner. |
To see more photos from the Doyle School Community Center graduation celebration: https://thekerrcountyleadphotography.zenfoliosite.com/zg/doyle-school-community-center-honors-neighborhood-graduates
