Sometimes, unforeseen circumstances lead to students feeling like they have limited choices, such as dropping out of school.
That was the case for Katelynn Apodaca, who was in her junior year at Pebble Hills High School when she became pregnant. She felt the weight of navigating school and motherhood too overwhelming to continue her education in a traditional school setting, and she left high school.
However, on a Saturday morning, her life suddenly changed when she heard a knock at the door meant for Antonio Zubia, her boyfriend and her daughter’s father. Pebble Hills High School Principal Ivan Ramirez and assistant principals Luis Carrillo and David Woods stood outside, eager to help her restart her education.
The administrators were part of a team of principals, assistant principals, and counselors who participated in the Socorro Independent School District’s annual Walk for Success on Sept. 9.
Volunteers walked the neighborhoods surrounding high school feeder areas to talk to students like Apodaca and Zubia who had yet to enroll in the new school year. They spoke to students about the opportunities available to them if they returned to school to earn their high school diploma and pursue their higher education and career aspirations.
“I want to do what’s best for me and my daughter,” said Apodaca, who started at Options High School in September. “I want to get my diploma because it means a lot to me.”
Apodaca shared her story at the Inaugural El Paso County Truancy Sumit: Youths at Risk on Sept. 28 at the El Paso County Courthouse. She talked about her difficult decision to leave school and how SISD administrators succeeded in helping her return to school.
“Though Katelynn had some trouble, we always want to make sure our students have every opportunity available to them,” said Ramirez, who encouraged Apodaca to attend Options High School. “She had a baby and was having trouble figuring out what to do, and we were happy to help accommodate her and her new family. Sometimes life takes you a different way, and here at SISD, we support students in any way we can.”
Options High School is a non-traditional high school for students who seek a flexible learning environment that will enable them to earn a high school diploma. The school offers numerous academic options and a unique competency-based learning system.
Though Zubia had surpassed the age to attend Options High School, Pebble Hills administrators helped him settle in with Job Corps, where he plans to get an HVAC certification and his diploma. For Zubia, Job Corps, a tuition-free career technical training program for young adults between 16-24, would help ensure he could provide a better life for his young family.
While Apodaca had been busy caring for their daughter, she regretted not completing her high school education. When Pebble Hills administrators arrived at their door, Zubia jumped at the opportunity and excitedly called her to speak with Mr. Ramirez.
“I just thought, ‘What a great initiative from the school and the district to come out to see us students,’” Apodaca said.
Walk for Success has recovered more than 300 students in the last five years, including Apodaca.
Options High School has provided Apodaca many opportunities, including evening classes, fast-track learning, and daycare for her daughter.
Now, Apodaca is happily settled at Options. She is on track to complete her education, forming great relationships with her teachers, and being able to care for her daughter, who is enrolled in the nearby Options daycare.
“I originally felt such guilt leaving my daughter to go to school and continue my education,” Apodaca said. “So, finding out about Options High School was a relief. I felt so reassured that I could get my education and take care of my child.”
Angelica Hernandez, director of attendance at SISD, said a traditional high school setting is not for everyone, which results in some students leaving school. However, SISD offers many opportunities to help them return.
“These kids have their reasons to want to be successful,” Hernandez said. “For Katelynn and Antonio, their little girl is that reason. This goes to show that we need to educate our kids and that we are here to serve them a hundred percent.”
Apodaca hopes that after completing her high school education, she can explore trade school or continue her education at El Paso Community College.
“I’m so thankful to the district for caring enough to do this for me and other students,” said Apodaca, who expects to graduate in spring 2024.
Click here to watch more about Katelynn Apodaca’s presentation at the El Paso County Truancy Summit.
Katelynn Apodaca at the El Paso County Truancy Sumit: Youths at Risk event photos