The AlumNow series showcases former students’ post-graduation successes. We recently caught up with Ashley Johnson, who is now a social worker for Dallas ISD in Graduation, Recovery, Attendance/Advocacy and Dropout Intervention (GRAAD). Read about how her educational journey at Dallas ISD impacted her to give back to her community. What high school did you graduate from and what year did you graduate? School of Health Professions at Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Center in 2008. What is your current occupation? I’m a social worker for Dallas ISD. I started Kindergarten at J.W. Ray Elementary School and moved on to James B.…

The AlumNow series showcases former students’ post-graduation successes. We recently caught up with Maria Garcia, the Orchestra & Mariachi Arts Academy director at W.E Greiner Exploratory Arts Academy. Read about her educational journey at Dallas ISD and how her teachers impacted her to give back to her community. What high school did you graduate from and what year did you graduate? Moisés E. Molina High School in 2001. What is your current occupation? I am the director for the Head Orchestra and Mariachi at Greiner Middle School Exploratory Arts Academy. What made your Dallas ISD education unique? I had dedicated…

Being a member of the aerial drone team at School for Talented and Gifted at Pleasant Grove is more than the opportunity to fly an aircraft – it’s a chance to meet new people. “I think the most rewarding part of joining the team is connections. I’ve been able to learn about new people and talk with them about the drone competitions and more,” said Jacob H., member of the drone team. His teammate, Estrella P., agreed. “We meet people from all around the area and are able to make alliances and share our thoughts and ideas,” she said. A…

Orlando Velazquez has two full-time jobs. He works in the front office at Anne Frank Elementary School. He is also a competitive figure skater. Growing up in Puerto Rico, Velazquez was inspired to try figure skating after watching a movie about a teenager who rose to the competitive level. “I didn’t experience winter weather, so I was amazed when my parents took me to an ice rink for the first time,” he said. He was hooked the second his blades hit the ice.  “I fell in love with it because it is like a form of art that allows me…