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Sha'Darrion Jefferson delivers an inspirational speech as the 2024 class speaker at Pathways In Education – Louisiana’s graduation ceremony.
When Sha'Darrion Jefferson first walked through the doors of Pathways In Education – Louisiana, she carried with her a quiet determination and one big hope: to graduate.
“I took a leap of faith,” Sha'Darrion shared, reflecting on her first day. “I was unsure of what the future may hold, but I was hoping and praying that this day would be my end result.”
That leap led to something remarkable.
Sha'Darrion came to Pathways with a strong will to succeed and an openness to growth. While the path to graduation wasn’t always easy, she stayed committed—even when the journey required late nights, early mornings, and balancing school with other responsibilities. Like many Pathways students, she faced personal challenges along the way, but she never let those obstacles define her.
Principal Debbie Fuller presents Sha'Darrion Jefferson with her high school diploma, celebrating her hard work and achievement.
Why Pathways Was the Right Fit
For Sha'Darrion, choosing Pathways made all the difference. The program’s flexible scheduling, one-on-one support, and welcoming environment allowed her to move at her own pace while receiving the encouragement she needed to stay on track. At Pathways, she found educators who cared for her.
“Thank you for not giving up on us,” she said in her graduation speech, addressing the faculty. “Thank you for all those times you went the extra mile to ensure that we understood and completed the tasks before us.”
Her teacher, Miss Katrina, described her as a standout from the start.
“Sha'Darrion is an ambitious student who came to Pathways with a drive to finish as a graduate with the PIE Class of 2024. This beautiful, kind-hearted soul enjoys styling hair, experiencing new things, and relaxing with family and friends. Her strong-willed spirit helped her overcome challenges to complete her units, and she went on to accomplish her goal to graduate.”
Sha'Darrion credits much of her success to the support she received—from her family, who encouraged her through moments of doubt, and from the faculty at Pathways, who walked beside her each step of the way.
“Let’s never forget to always keep God First and know that nothing is impossible as long as we don’t give up and quit.”— Sha'Darrion Jefferson inspires her fellow graduates with heartfelt words and a message of hope.
Looking Ahead
With a diploma in hand and dreams in her heart, Sha'Darrion is just getting started. Whether she’s styling hair, building new experiences, or spending time with her loved ones, her future is full of possibility. “The sky is the limit,” she said with pride. “Because today, we have done what many saw as impossible.”
About Pathways in Education
Pathways in Education is a network of public charter schools with locations in
We are dedicated to helping students succeed through personalized learning, flexible schedules, and one-on-one support. Our programs are designed to meet students where they are and empower them to achieve their academic and personal goals. Learn more about enrolling at one of our Pathways in Educations schools here.
