About The Class Of ’17

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Class of ’17 is a five-year initiative that follows North Texas students as they transition from middle school to high school and through graduation. Class of ’17 explores the causes and consequences of the state’s school dropout crisis — and what schools, families and community groups are doing to help keep students in school. The project began in 2013 with stories about a group of eighth graders from different North Texas schools. KERA has been checking on these students each year to document their accomplishments, their struggles — and their hopes for the future.

Chance Hawkins

• Student Won’t Let Debilitating Disease Stop Him (2016)
• A Day In The Life Of Chance Hawkins (2016)
• Class Of ’17: For Fort Worth Student With Rare Disease, Aide Makes All The Difference (2015)
• Class Of ’17: Working On His Independence (2014)
• Meet The Class Of ’17: Fighting Through Physical Limits With A Sunny Disposition (2013)
• Class Of ’17: Another Chance At High School (2013)
• Class Of ’17: Finding A Way Through High School (2013)

Ricky Rijos, Jr.

• For This High Schooler, Hoop Dreams Crash Into Harsh Reality (2016)
• Class Of ’17: This High School Junior Faces Tall Hoop Dream Odds (2015)
• Class Of ’17: Ricky Rijos Is On The Road To Getting His Learner’s Permit (2014)
• The Pricey Game Of Youth Sports: Using A Private Coach To Boost Hoop Dreams (2014)
• Class Of ’17: ‘Coachable’ And Heading To High School (2013)
• Meet The Class Of ’17: A Son Learns Dad’s Lessons (2013)
• Kelli & Ricky From The Class of 17 Make Their Teams (2013)

Joel Luera

• Juggling College Classes in High School Takes Grit (2016)
• Class Of ’17: Going To School Is Not Debatable For Samuell High Student (2014)
• Class Of ’17: Boys Can Be Bookish, Too (2013)

Alex Gutierrez

• She Dreams Of College — And Passing Geometry Class (2016)
• Class Of ’17: Yearbooks Are Still Cool With These Digital-Savvy Teens (2014)
• Class Of ’17: Chinese Students Will Study And Live At Garland Charter School Campus (2014)
• Meet The Class Of ’17: Summer School First, Then High School (2013)
• Class Of ’17: Trilingual Approach To Learning (2013)

Kelli Bowdy

• The Long Road To Becoming A Nurse (2016)
• Class Of ’17: This High Schooler Hopes To Graduate Early (2014)
• Meet The Class Of ’17: An Eighth Grader Aims High With Help From Granny (2013)
• Kelli & Ricky From The Class of 17 Make Their Teams (2013)

Phantasia Chavers

• Class Of ’17: Dealing With Depression, And Finding An Outlet (2014)
• Class Of ’17: A New School And A Second Chance On The Court (2014)
• Meet The Class Of ’17: Determined Not to Stay On The Sidelines (2013)

Jerry Harris

• Jerry Harris, “Class of ’17,” Lives Two Different Lives (2014)
• Class Of ’17: Spending the Summer Off School, But Under Contract (2013)
• Meet The Class Of ’17: He Shoots, He Scores (2013)
• Update: Class Of 17’s Jerry Leaves Texas (2013)

Class of ’17

• Class Of ’17 Yearbook Project (2014)
• Public-Private Partnership Helps Turn Dallas Students Into Future Leaders
• Corporation For Public Broadcasting Highlights KERA’s Class Of ’17 Project (2014)
• Class Of ’17: Halfway Through Ninth Grade (2013)