During his time at Carter High School, Patrick W. III never tried to fit in. Even though making friends and helping people feel seen comes naturally. “That was the highlight of my years, not having to change myself. I didn’t try to fit in the crowd for the sake of making friends,” he said.  Nicknamed ‘Pastor Pat’ by his peers, the senior embraced the role of spiritual guide and often provided them words of inspiration.  Born and raised in Cedar Hill, Texas, Patrick W. III’s upbringing was grounded in faith and family.  His father, a respected pastor, instilled in him…

As they get ready to walk across the same stage and graduate together, siblings D’Erik and Dwayne N. credit the mutual support that inspired them to complete the milestone. “He’s just a great dude. If you sit back and watch him, even if he’s just playing video games or basketball, it’s just kind of inspiring,” Dwayne said. “He followed his passion, and now he’s getting that opportunity to succeed. And I’m like, wow, I can do that, too.” D’Erik highlights his brother’s intelligence and confidence as a source of inspiration. “He is very smart. And that has always inspired me…

When she enters Yale University in the fall, Sofia R. will merge her two passions – neuroscience and theater. “It’s really a unique experience getting to do arts and academics during the day — at the same time,” she said. “You get that ability to express yourself creatively and any way you want.” Having been interested in both subjects since she was a kid, the senior at Booker T. Washington High School for Performing and Visual Arts credits her well-rounded high school experience with giving her the opportunity to take the jump from Dallas, Texas to New Haven, Conn. “A…

Yaritza E. remembers when she found out during her sophomore year that she was pregnant, and then took a year off from North Dallas High School to care for her baby, most people thought she would never go back and graduate. She proved them wrong on May 18 when she walked the stage to receive her high school diploma. “A lot of people thought I wasn’t going to come back,” she said, wiping away tears. “I proved them wrong. It’s not easy being a teen mom, but I did it because I want to give my son and my mom…