PHARR, TEXAS - The PossAble Dream Adult High School has a target of graduating 1,000 students next year. This year, the school’s first, will see around 200 graduating later this month.
Superintendent Darcia Cuellar says she knows how the school can attract sufficient adults to achieve its ambitious goal: the testimony of graduating students.
“How are we going to grow to 1,000? It's testimony. It's the students' testimony that has helped them to overcome where they were and where they want to go. So, probably most the most important part of my job is to encourage them, provide that platform for them to speak those testimonies,” Cuellar said.
Cuellar made her remarks at a check signing presentation at her high school. Workforce Solutions Lower Rio Grande, in partnership with The PossAble Dream Foundation and The PossAble Dream Adult High School, was awarded a $150,000 Texas Industry Partnership (TIP) Grant.
The grant, from the Texas Workforce Commission, will provide workforce training for 22 students pursuing careers in two of the region's most in-demand occupations: HVAC Technician and Medical Assistant.
Cuellar asked four of her students to come to the podium to tell their story.
Jaime Mendoza, aged 44 years old, is the parent of 12 children, and lives in Pharr.
“Before the PossAble Dream, I was an uneducated, unemployed, a mother taking care of my family. Now, I am proud to say that I will be taking part of the first graduating class of the PossAble Dream Adult High School. Not only will I be receiving my diploma, but also receiving my medical assistant certification. After graduation, I will be attending STC (South Texas College) to study forensic science and biology. And I have plans. My plan is to bring the first doctorate to The PossAble Dream.”
Austyn Xavier Cantu is 30 years old and lives in Edcouch.
“Before the PossAble Dream, I was really just sort of wandering around doing odd jobs for family, friends, whomever, just trying to make ends meet, put food on the table, gas in the truck. Now, like Jamie and everybody else here, my other students with me, I'm set to graduate with the first class, I am very proud to say. I've already started my summer classes with STC. I plan to be an English teacher, After that, I plan to continue my education, to go for my master's, and bring as much back to the PossAble Dream as I can.”
Maria Banda is 32 years old, and the parent of four children. She lives in San Juan, Texas,
“Here's a little bit about my story. Before I enrolled in the PossAble Dream, I was working part time as a provider and caring for my kids. It was difficult for me to find a job with pay without a high school diploma. But in October, I enrolled in the PossAble Dream, and now I set to graduate on August 7th. I will be starting an internship with DHR (Doctors Hospital at Renaissance) soon. I'm excited to continue education, and I'm hoping to reach and become a paramedic.”
Dr. Cuellar said: “Maria did not mention that she convinced her husband to come to school. He's here. He's just passed some of his tests, so he's next to graduate as well.”
Cristina Gonzalez is 34 years old, has four children, and lives in Weslaco, Texas.
“Before the PossAble dream, I got a call asking if I was interested in getting my high school diploma. Without hesitation, I responded back, and said absolutely, yes. I was primarily just a stay-at-home mom going through a financial crisis. My initial thought was, hey, you know what, something needs to change. So, I enrolled in November 2025 at PossAble Dream. I proud to say that I'm going to be part of the first graduating class in August. I am currently now a certified phlebotomist, and I am working as an overnight phlebotomist. I actually just got off my shift right now. I want to thank the PossAble Dream for all the opportunities they're offering for this community. It's great to see the big expansion that's going so fast. I'm excited to be a part of it. And I look forward to continuing my education with UTRGV, becoming a registered nurse, and then continuing on to my BSN. And, of course, thank you everybody for your support, we appreciate it.”
Among the speakers at the check signing presentation were Cuellar, PossAble Dream Foundation President Dr. Daniel P. King, Francisco ‘Almaraz, CEO of Workforce Solutions, and Alberto Treviño, commissioner representing labor on the Texas Workforce Commission.
Here is a video recording of the event:
