DMPS Welcomes 78 New Members of the Class of 2014

Des Moines Public Schools welcomed 78 new members to the Class of 2014 at the summer commencement.

Ladies and gentlemen, presenting the Des Moines Public Schools Summer Class of 2014!

In 2011 the inaugural summer cohort numbered 30. Eighty-one followed in 2012 and last year 51 more came to collect their hard-earned but well worth the extra effort high school diplomas. And as of last night you can add another 78 to the total after the DMPS Class of ‘14 was rounded out in commencement ceremonies at Hoyt Sherman Place.

Multiply those 240 students times the gap in lifetime earnings between graduates and dropouts (approximately $700,000 per) and that pencils out to about $170 million worth of rescues by the academic support labs (ASLs) operating within the district high schools – and counting. Not to mention the bonuses that stand to be earned by those who parlay this diploma into others. The hope is that many will now choose to remain students at other levels. At least the option is there.

The ASL’s serve nontraditional and reengaged students; the ones who used to slip through cracks and fall by waysides.

Speaker Mike Vukovich, the principal at North High School, advised the graduates to “impress yourselves,” as they move on from this milestone in their lives. And then it was on to the main order of business. Hoyt Sherman is a historic venue that’s hosted many a high-profile concert over the years. But there’s nothing like the enthusiasm a commencement audience brings. Cheers rose to the gilded rafters and bounced back as the prized diplomas were distributed.

As the crowded parking lot emptied following the celebration one couldn’t help but notice a photo shoot going on across the street on the steps of the row houses along Woodland Avenue. A teenager with the expectant look on his face of a graduate-to-be and a small entourage appeared to be snapping a gallery of senior pictures. The beat goes on.

Next steps: Hit the streets for Graduation Walk 2014 on August 23 to reconnect with students who’ve strayed out of bounds. For more information, click here: https://www.dmschools.org/academics/programs/destination-graduation/

Stand by, Summer Class of 2015. We’re coming for you!