Overcoming Barriers to Attending a University

DemitriusDemetrius is a 12th grade student in the Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) program at Lewisville High School in Lewisville, TX. He has also received individual student support through Communities In Schools of North Texas since his 9th grade year at Lewisville High School-Harmon Campus.

Demetrius was referred to CISNT after moving from California and missing a whole year of school. With the guidance and support from Mirna Cervantes, CISNT Site Coordinator at LHS Harmon, and his determination of completing night school, he was able to catch up and complete his 9th grade year as well as the whole year previously that he has missed.

One might assume that the barriers of moving to a new community and missing a year of school while facing financial struggles, that any student would be doomed to drop out of school. This was not the case for Demetrius. With the help of a community of support, he overcame those barriers and found a path to success. Through his struggles, Demetrius discovered that he is a smart, hard-working, and determined son and brother. He is more than capable of reaching anything he puts his mind to.

This success recently came to fruition when he received his first college acceptance letter from Langston University in Oklahoma! We are all very excited for Demetrius and very proud that he is on a pathway to college. We cannot wait to celebrate with him as he walks across the stage and receives his diploma!