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Barrow Arts and Sciences Academy (BASA) senior, Jesus Mondragon-Hernandez, came to Barrow County Schools from Mexico in October of 2016, starting his journey in Barrow County in the middle of his 5th grade year at Holsenbeck Elementary School. The next year he attended Bear Creek Middle School. He shared that the ESOL (English to Speakers of Other Languages) support he received and encouragement from all his teachers is what helped him find success as a student in a new country learning a new language.
At the end of his 8th grade year, Jesus recalls hearing about the opportunity to attend Barrow Arts and Sciences Academy for high school. He liked the idea of a new, modern building with pathway course options that were not available at his zoned school. He felt like because the school was new and had a smaller population it would be an advantage for him. Jesus is proud to be part of the class of 2024 which is the first cohort to go from 9th to 12th grade and graduate from BASA.
Jesus’ high school journey started out with struggles including two failed academic classes that were needed for graduation. Through the option to reseat in the courses again, Jesus has now passed both of those previously failed courses and is on track for graduation. He currently only has one class needed for graduation. This allows him to have three units of Work Based Learning (WBL) and gives him the opportunity to leave campus and work while also making money. After getting his driver’s license this week, he will be starting a new job with Dependable Steel Rule Dies in Bethlehem, GA. He is excited to learn new skills and gain valuable work experience.
Jesus highlights three educators who have had a significant impact on his success. Jesus shares that English Language Arts teacher, Rachel Roper, helped him by making learning fun and having a great sense of humor. He said it almost made him want to become a teacher too. He always looked forward to attending Mrs. Roper’s class even though he didn’t care about reading and writing. Guitar teacher, Paul Thornton, made an impact by helping Jesus perfect his guitar skills and giving him good life advice. Jesus said that Mr. Thornton supports and encourages him. Finally, he highlights Graduation Specialist, Amber Hagy, as being a good listener who pushed him to always do better. He said there were times he had no idea he was failing, and Mrs. Hagy would make sure he knew what he was missing and follow up to make sure that he got it done.
Jesus’ teachers have many positive things to say about him. Engineering teacher, Brandon Mitchell shares, “Jesus is a kind and hardworking student. We are going to miss him at BASA.” Coach Tony Matos elaborates, “Jesus is a very polite and respectful young man who is going to become something special one day.” Nicholas Schuff, Social Studies teacher states, “I had the honor of teaching Jesus in both World Geography, American Government and Economics. In the time that I have known Jesus, he has evolved into a dedicated, hard-working young man. He has shown tremendous resilience, and he has always had a positive attitude. Jesus makes me laugh every day, and his kindness is what I will remember most about him.” Finally, Science teacher, Kearsten Jones shares, "Against all odds, Jesus has transformed indifference into ambition, conquering hurdles with resilience. Now, on the brink of graduation, his remarkable journey from apathy to achievement inspires us all. Here's to celebrating triumph over challenges and a future filled with promise."
Jesus is a perfect example of a Grad Track student who has exemplified that hard work and determination can make a difference. We at BASA are very proud of Jesus and can’t wait to watch him walk across the stage at graduation in May of 2024!
We are proud of our students who are on the “Grad Track.” A Grad Track student has either failed one or more academic classes and/or is behind in credits needed for graduation with their cohort class. Graduation Specialists at all three Barrow County School System (BCSS) high schools support students who meet these qualifications.