CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — A special celebration was held in South Texas to honor foster youth who have reached a major milestone: their high school graduation.
Among the graduates was Devlin de Santiago, a Martin High School senior from Laredo who overcame challenges that many could hardly imagine but none that would define him.
De Santiago was one of a dozen students recognized Friday during a special ceremony hosted by the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.
The event brought together graduates, their PAL (Preparation for Adult Living) caseworkers, and representatives from organizations such as Foster Angels of South Texas and Baptist Children and Family Services.
De Santiago offered words of encouragement to other young people facing adversity.
“At the end of the day, you get to decide the man you want to be, the woman you want to be in life,” he said. “And at the end of the day, it’s not always going to be easy and fun, but there’s always gonna be easy and fun somewhere along the line, no matter how hard it is,” De Santiago said.
Congratulations poured in for all the students recognized, they were even surprised with graduation rings to mark the occasion.