(COLLEGE, CAREER & TECHNOLOGY ACADEMY -- July 16, 2021) — Day 2 of EPISD’s Graduation Season kicked off on Wednesday at Bowie High’s Baty-Simmang Stadium with 74 CCTA graduates taking the stage.

Many of the graduates overcame tremendous obstacles to graduate, with CCTA offering students a second chance to compete requirements to receive a diploma.

This year’s class is led by valedictorian Erica Reyes, a recipient of the EPISD Education Foundation Scholarship. She was joined on stage by CCTA All Boy Tyrique Grimes, All Girl Gabriela Santana and CCTA Phoenix Nicolas Harvey.

Reyes reminded them that next “their true adventure begins” and thanked family and CCTA for supporting and guiding her through her high school journey. The young mom also reflected how her daughter is inspiring her to succeed.

“My biggest push to graduate is my beautiful daughter Athena, whose little hands stole my heart,” Reyes said. “She put the color in my world. She made my life complete. She is my life and my greatest inspiration.”

To watch a replay of the CCTA Graduation Ceremony visit www.episd.org/live.