This past week, CAST Schools celebrated 3 high school graduations. “I have never felt so heard and seen by teachers before,” said Advanced Learning Academy (ALA) graduating senior Orion Wickham, who will attend Trinity University next year.
This caring place is a testament that a healthy school culture also supports outstanding academics. ALA, which is in San Antonio ISD, had its first National Merit Scholar this year (Valedictorian Mizael Solis), every single senior had an internship, and the class of 66 cumulatively earned over 700 college credit hours and received scholarship offers in excess of 7.2 million dollars.
An administrator in a partner district remarked this week that the creation of a student-centered culture, where students feel safe to be their authentic selves, was a common thread across CAST campuses, of which there are now 7 in 4 school districts. As we celebrate 5 extremely successful groups of graduating seniors in East Central, San Antonio, and Southwest ISDs, we should ponder – in what environment will the most young people thrive?
This week, we cheered on the 118 graduates of CAST Tech, also in San Antonio ISD. At CAST Tech, students earned certifications in cybersecurity and Entrepreneurship and Small Business (ESB), and every senior created a legacy project designed to make the school stronger. Of our CAST Schools, this campus has the highest number of students who go straight to work, and we have committed to make this group of students a priority for our Alumni Network. Nonetheless, more than 80 percent of our CAST Tech graduates are pursuing college degrees, mostly in STEM fields, and they collectively earned $3.8M in scholarships.
At CAST Med High School, San Antonio ISD, more than 80 percent of our 3rd graduating class of 32 graduates plan to continue on in the field of health; and all planned to attend college, collectively earning $2.1M in scholarships. Valedictorian Caleb Segovia was a Gates Millennium Scholar and earned a Questbridge full ride to Duke University. KSAT 12 News featured Senior Jesus Lopez in this moving story about how his love of family shaped his desire to enter nursing school at UT-Austin.
Behind every statistic is a student with a story, some are more humble in nature, but every young person is leaving with an initial plan and a purpose. Last week we shared highlights from our graduations of CAST Lead High School in East Central and CAST STEM High School in Southwest ISD. Even as he called out the accomplishments of the CAST Lead graduating class, East Central Superintendent Roland Toscano dwelled on the personal traits behind the data.
“Pedro Gael Vazquez Dominguez is someone whose journey has been nothing short of inspiring, “Toscano shared. “In 6th grade, Pedro faced the unimaginable loss of his mother, a moment that could have broken any of us. But with quiet strength, he kept moving forward, supported by his incredible father who raised Pedro and his sister alone. As Pedro continued his journey at CAST Lead, his leadership and knowledge flourished. Over the years, he stepped up not just in the classroom but across campus, becoming a role model to younger students and a dependable voice among his peers. Outside of school, Pedro chased his passion for soccer across San Antonio and beyond, playing club soccer and traveling far and wide for the game he loves. His dedication led him to represent EC on the field, where he brought that same resilience and heart to every match. Pedro’s story is one of perseverance, family, and determination.”
As we close out graduation and head into summer, let’s be so proud of our graduates who crossed the stage this week. Let’s celebrate the milestone, the many accomplishments, and remember the moments of perseverance and determination.
Jeanne Russell
Executive Director
CAST Schools
