Through tears on Thursday, Kerrie Miller talked of her pride in son John Miller as he became one of three high school students — the first in Calcasieu Parish — recognized for completing all four of their high school years through the Calcasieu Parish School Board’s virtual program.
The students attended the virtual program, offered as an alternative to the traditional classroom, through Lake Charles-Boston Academy of Learning. They are Miller, Sulphur High School; Devynn Chapman, Washington-Marion High School; and Jasmine Baker, Washington-Marion High School.
“When John started high school we knew that his Asperger’s and social anxiety were becoming worse and worse. But I believed in him and knew that he could achieve anything he wanted to achieve,” Kerrie Miller said.
“Administrators at Sulphur High School told us about this program, and it gave him the opportunity to excel and be himself without him having to deal with the social anxiety.”
His father, Jaime Miller, said, “The program has been such a lifesaver for us. John was always about 10 lessons ahead on everything he did while here. He’s a high achiever and we are so proud of him.”
Beth Fraser, principal of Lake Charles-Boston Academy of Learning, said, “This is the kind of program that takes a lot of diligence on each student’s part. It’s not for everybody, but it’s great for those that might need the option.”
As she handed out certificates to the students, she said, “The faculty congratulates you, but we would also like to thank your teachers and parents for helping you reach this huge accomplishment.”
Mayor Randy Roach told the students, “You are pioneers, and you’re paving the way for others who might want to take a different path toward achieving an education. By accomplishing what you’ve been able to achieve you’re also encouraging others.”
Chapman said the first two years of the program were the hardest for him. “Mainly, it was just the discipline. There were times that it got difficult, but my family really kept me on track. When I hit my senior year I started getting very excited, and now I’m just so proud of myself. I did it and that feels really good.”
His mother, Dominique Chapman, said, “Getting to this important day has been a real family effort. I even threatened at times to go sit with him at the school and make him finish his assignments, but I think we’re both glad it didn’t come to that. This is a huge deal for us and a very, very big deal for him. Both of his grandfathers passed away during the past couple of years and to see Devynn just buckle down and work harder even through that makes us so proud.”
Curley Chapman, Devynn’s father, said, “I’m so excited about my son’s future now. And I’m a very proud dad today. Hard work really does pay off and Devynn is a perfect example of that.”
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