“I can honestly say ACE saved my life.”
Gina Guerrera Clarke was addicted to drugs and cared very little about school when she was in high school at MacArthur. Thankfully, North East ISD’s Academy of Creative Education (ACE) was there when Gina needed it most.
“Things were not going well, and deep down, I knew that I needed a major change and that overall change was attending ACE,” said Clark. “ACE works for students like me because the school is small, and the whole culture and environment is different. My Graduation Coach had a big heart, but was also tough on me when I needed it. The self-paced program allowed me time to get back on my feet, literally and figuratively.”
Gina graduated from ACE in 2011.
Since then, she’s gotten sober and stayed that way.
She’s also started two businesses.
This was her message to the latest 60 ACE graduates at Tuesday’s ceremony, where she served as closing speaker.
“There is so much more after graduating. Never fear to fail because everyone’s journey looks different. Always stay focused on your own future while inspiring and spreading hope for others.”
ACE is a nationally-recognized model high school for students at risk of dropping out. ACE is celebrating 30 years of service to students this year. Since its doors opened in September of 1991, the Academy has successfully assisted nearly 5,000 students in graduating.
To learn more about ACE, click here.
