Top 10%, varsity sports, JROTC, internships, and jobs. The thirteen high school graduates recognized at the Robing Ceremony hosted by the International Rescue Committee in Dallas on June 1st sound like any high achieving high schoolers. There is one difference: their first days of school in Dallas were as newly-arrived refugees to the United States.

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From refugee camps to attending senior prom, each of their journeys to a high school diploma has been uniquely challenging. Many are the first in their families to graduate high school or attend college, and are aware of the countless sacrifices made to help them across the stage. On this day, surrounded by family members and mentors, the students reflected on their achievements and the individuals who have continuously supported their dreams and pushed them forward.

High school is challenging for native English speakers – class ranks, SATs, and college applications. For refugee students who start school in ninth grade, learning English and a new culture rapidly are additional barriers to success. One of the honorees, Na Khai who graduated with multiple leadership achievements and academic honors, said of her challenges and accomplishments, “During my freshman year, learning English and adapting to a new environment were the hardest challenges. In my sophomore year I received a high-enough score on the English STAAR test to take dual-credit classes.” An aspiring educator, she is headed to Texas Woman’s University this fall for a degree in Mathematics.

Tee Meh is proudest of her time as a Dallas Mayor’s Intern at Parkland Hospital in the summer of 2017; she even plans to attend medical school one day. Standing beside her mother, Kay, Tee Meh became emotional recounting her mother’s constant support of her education. While walking miles to get water and raising chickens in the refugee camp and working multiple jobs in Dallas to provide school supplies, Kay taught Tee Meh about the importance of committing to her dreams.

Closing out the ceremony, Ne Won and his father Tien, stood stoically side-by-side, their deep love evident as they held hands tightly. Ne Won quoted his father’s reminder, “I don’t want you to go through what I’ve gone through…I’ve gotten you here, now it’s your turn,”. Tien never had the opportunity to finish high school; Ne Won who graduated in the top 10%, in JROTC, and as swimming captain, certainly made his family proud.

Born in Myanmar, Thailand, Eritrea, Syria, Iraq, and Nepal, these thirteen refugee students have found home in Dallas. With over $150,000 of scholarships among them, a plethora of awards, a commitment to service, and big career goals, high school graduation is just the first step towards a very bright future for these students. Congratulations, Class of 2018!