Graduation ceremony honors dozens of foster youths in Hamilton County
Daisy Kershaw, WLWT5, June 5, 2025.
Hamilton County celebrated high school graduates who have overcome major obstacles to earn their diploma. A total of 87 foster kids were honored in a special ceremony Thursday night.
Among them was Tamirah Yisrael, who spoke at the graduation.
"This is our moment, now get out there and make it count," Yisrael said as she stood on that stage addressing her peers.
She lost her mom at a young age; her father died during her senior year. "Me walking across the stage, it wasn't only for me, it was for them too," Yisrael said.
Each and every graduate has had to overcome adversity to achieve this.
Former graduate Alana Johnson knows firsthand how hard these students have had to work. She was there Thursday, cheering them on and offering these graduates resources and tools for their future.
In 2024, when she was a graduate, she said she wanted to be a social worker. A year later, she's just finished her first year at UC studying social work and psychology.
"I actually pursued what I wanted to pursue and now I am here helping other foster youth do the same thing," Johnson said, smiling ear to ear.
For these graduates, this night is not just about where they've been. It's about where they're going.
"This day really means a lot to me," said Damon Hensley. Hensley graduated from Dater Gilbert High School and plans to attend nursing school.
North College Hill High School graduate, KC Trosper, said she never thought she'd be here accepting her diploma. She dropped out of high school, but returned, finishing four years' worth of work in a single year. "I'm most excited to go to college to get a bachelor's degree and starting a better life for myself," Trosper said.
She's heading to Bowling Green in the fall to study criminal justice.
"Foster kid is just a word, it doesn't stop you from doing anything," said Trosper, reflecting on her experience, "That shouldn't stop you from being who you are and reaching your full potential."
In the U.S., more than half of foster youth never finish high school.
Hamilton County Jobs and Family Services has been holding this ceremony for 26 years, and this is the biggest graduating class yet.
No comments:
Post a Comment