From Classroom to Crossroads: Our Remarkable Ninth-Grade Class

This week we celebrated the ninth-grade graduation at the public school in the village where we work, and it was a meaningful moment for us. Kelly and I began teaching English here in 2018, when this class was in second grade—Steve taught them through fourth grade, and Kelly continued with them from fifth through ninth. We’ve had the privilege of watching them grow year by year, both in the classroom and as young people finding their voice.

These students lost nearly three years of education thanks to the pandemic, yet they returned determined to not only finish but excel. Their perseverance carried them through to the completion of their high school education at the village school, which goes through ninth grade.

Now they stand at an important crossroads. We’re proud of what they’ve accomplished, and we find ourselves wondering what direction each of them will take next and how they will continue building on the effort that brought them this far.

Katheryn Melissa, Licy, Sulmy, Yenifer, Brayan, Carlos, Denis, Josept, Leandro and Rene – we are so proud of you and what you have accomplished. May the Lord bless your path and may you continue to grow in Him.