The migraines began in Gracie’s junior year of high school.

“It was really debilitating,” she said. “Sometimes it got so bad that I couldn’t walk and I couldn’t see straight. It made school really hard.”

But Gracie didn’t want to quit. And her supporters at the Bellevue School District weren’t going to let her.

“My school counselor suggested the Graduation Alliance programs,” she said. “As soon as I was enrolled, it felt right. There were times when my migraines still made it hard, but in those times it was really flexible.”

Gracie’s academic coach, Kashira, was with her every step of the way. “She was the most accommodating person,” Gracie said. “She knew what I was going through and she worked with me through the entire process. She wanted me to succeed.”

And succeed she did. Gracie was 18 years old when she graduated — and that’s important to her. “I didn’t lose any time,” she said. “I finished when I would have finished, and that feels good to say.”

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Graduation Alliance partners with school districts, workforce agencies and various other organizations to help create alternative paths for individuals who need flexibility and support to earn a diploma. To learn more about our services or contact us, simply click here.