DSS Student Success Stories
Misty
“After I graduate, I plan to go to college for criminal justice or social justice and maybe become a correctional officer. I want to help struggling youth feel loved and valued. Thanks to the donors for making this school run, the volunteers for the lunches they fed me, and the staff for supporting me when I couldn’t do it myself. They welcomed me with open arms.”
LJ
“I learned a lot at DSS that will help me in the real world. The teachers here actually care, and I would not have graduated without them. I intend to get a job next and am considering higher education or the military. I’d like to make a positive impact in the world with my life.”
Bri
“After graduation, I plan to become a nurse and impact my patients’ lives through my love and care. I want to thank DSS for loving and feeding me. I appreciate the staff and love them with everything in me. They are my best friends, and they helped my family in ways I never thought possible. Without DSS, I wouldn’t believe in God.”
Ashley
“At DSS, I learned that anything you want to do is possible. This has been a meaningful place for me because the teachers are very caring and loving and treat all people equally. I wouldn’t be who I am today, leaning into God, without them. After I graduate, I want to be the best mom I can be and work in the insurance industry.”
Alexia
“If not for DSS, I’d probably be a high school dropout. They changed my whole perspective on school, helped me set goals, and pushed me through hard times. The teachers work one-on-one with students, which is important because we each learn differently. I plan to work in a hospital and help those in need get healthy and strong. I want to build relationships with my patients, so they feel loved and cared for.”
Jaiden
“DSS is a special place to me because I met people who I will always be connected to. I want to thank them for everything they’ve done, from feeding me to giving me rides to having conversations to teaching me. They taught me generosity and made me want everyone I meet to feel loved. I’m interested in becoming a veterinarian assistant.”
Aisha
“DSS taught me that having faith and believing in God goes a long way. If it wasn’t for this school, my life would be so much different, and I wouldn’t be who I am. Being around people like this who love me brings great joy. This school feels like home. They helped me see the best in me. After graduation, I’m interested in becoming an emergency medical technician.”
Maria
“I have grown as an individual at DSS. They helped me get credits I thought I couldn’t get and graduate. They taught me that just because things are hard, I don’t have to give up. They have been a really good support system, and I am forever grateful. They made school fun and worth my time. Next, I’d like to do something to help little kids in need.”
Mauriccio
“After graduation, I plan to attend CrossPurpose, and pursue a career in HVAC or CDL. Both are in demand and pay well. I would also like to help immigrants and others like me get an education and feel supported.”
Elvis
“The Denver Street School helped me stay focused, and I learned new skills that will help me throughout life. The teachers are like family, and I don’t know where I would be without them. Thank you DSS for being there and always encouraging me to do my best. I’m not sure of my next steps yet, but I hope to impact the world by changing it for the better and helping people.”
Rio
“DSS helped me stay on the right track throughout high school, grow as a person, and keep the right mindset. I learned that I am capable of doing a lot of things, like problem-solving and finding solutions. This school has been a meaningful place to me, and it feels like home. I will always appreciate what DSS did for me and the impact they made.”
Neves
“The Denver Street School helped me be more open and creative. They taught me about God and even helped me graduate early. They’ve become a second family. DSS has a lot of patience for students, and they always help us stay focused and not give up. I’ve been accepted into CrossPurpose, and am planning to become a pharmacy technician.”
Yolanda
“After graduation, I plan to Get a nursing degree. I would love to help people, especially the elderly. DSS helped me grow, learn how to communicate, and also taught me life skills. Without them, I would’ve given up on school. They have been my safe space. Thank you for allowing me to grow as a person and teaching me there’s more to life than what has happened in the past.”
Venuz
“DSS helped me prepare for my future and graduate early. Next, I’m planning to go to dental hygienist school. My teachers helped me excel in math and learn to develop lifelong friendships. I’d like to impact the world by encouraging kindness, and I’m forever grateful to DSS for showing it by always being there for me.”
Yanitza
“If it wasn’t for DSS, I wouldn’t be graduating. I would have felt all alone, like I had no way out of the dark hole I was in. They helped me when I didn’t really have anybody else to lean on. They helped me feel valued and loved. Thank you to DSS for accepting me, encouraging me, feeding me, and teaching me. Now I want to do something to help others, like maybe become a therapist or psychiatrist.”
Tyler
“DSS helped me graduate. I literally tried to give up hundreds of times, but they wouldn’t let me. I learned that I can’t know my potential unless I apply myself. This school is a special place to me because I formed deep bonds with a few teachers who never gave up on me. They never expected me to be someone other than myself. I was valued and respected no matter what.”
Mikayla
“I wanted to say thank you to DSS for helping me find the motivation and energy to get my high school diploma. Without their help, it would have been hard to stay focused. This school made all the difference and now I’m excited for my future!”
Bianca
“I want to thank DSS for never giving up on me and for always being there when I needed them. They helped me get closer to God and stay motivated in school. After graduation, I plan on studying law and becoming an attorney.”
Camden
“Without this school, I wouldn’t have graduated or been ready to take the next step in life. DSS showed me I am more capable than I thought, and if I put my mind to something, I can do it! Now I’m going to pursue construction management.”
June
“DSS felt like a second home to me. I felt safe there, and I know they’ll always have my back. I’m planning to go to community college for computer science and also learn to be an aesthetician. DSS helped me reach my goals that will help me pursue my future!”
Jose
“I want to thank DSS for giving me the opportunity to grow, even though it was a rough journey. They taught me to pray and always put God first. DSS is a calm, safe place with wonderful, kind people. I plan to go to community college next year.”
Monse
“DSS helped me feel more comfortable with who I am. I learned to understand myself and face my challenges. I learned how to be loved. They helped me get on the right path with school. Donors helped me, too, with clothes and food. DSS is a special place for me. I never saw my life past the age of 16, but here I am. I plan on community college next.”
Angelica
“I went through difficult times while at DSS, and everyone was supportive and made me feel like I was at home. I’ll never forget the kindness they showed me. They seriously don’t get enough recognition for what they do. I’m so grateful for DSS and teachers I consider family.”
Mia
“DSS helped me in a time where I wasn’t taking anything in life seriously, and they’ve been like my second family. This school is why I want to continue my education. Before DSS, I never planned on going to college, but now I’m planning to study interior decorating.”
Siena
“At DSS, I met people who now have a big impact on my life. They helped me grow and see my worth. After graduation, I’m going to get my Associate’s degree and become an ultrasound tech. I love you DSS… thank you!”
Ryan
“DSS gave me another chance when other schools wouldn’t, thank you for your help supporting me!”