Graduation is always a day to remember, but it meant so much more to Esen Trachta when she walked across the stage to accept her diploma from North East ISD’s Academy of Creative Education (ACE). Trachta closed out a joyous, and at times emotional, graduation ceremony with a testimonial about her experience at the collaborative and innovative school.
Trachta says she struggled in a traditional high school learning environment, but ACE was a safe haven of support and flexibility that helped her find her voice.
“Some people say ACE is a school for bad kids,” said Trachta. “In reality, ACE is a place of hope – a place for second, third and even fourth chances when it feels like everything else in life has gone completely wrong. My achievements were praised, and I learned that I possess skills I never noticed before.”
Trachta was one of 72 graduates who received their diploma on Wednesday, Dec. 4, while family, friends and their ACE support staff and teachers looked on. NEISD established ACE in 1991. Since its doors opened it has helped more than 4,400 students who were once at risk of dropping out from high school.
“At ACE, I had a voice,” said Trachta. “If I was struggling and having a hard day, the teachers were understanding. The teachers inspired me to continue my education, obtain a degree in mechanical engineering and become an Aviation Safety Inspector.”
The ACE Class of 2019 heard an inspiring speech from commencement speaker retired Brigadier General Ron Kirklin, while ACE graduates Gavin Buchanan and Sabrina Puente served as Masters of Ceremony.
Click here to learn more about the Academy of Creative Education (ACE).
