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On May 31, Young Women’s College Preparatory Academy (YWCPA) celebrated its first graduating class at the University of Houston’s Cullen Performance Hall.

The school was started in 2011 along with Leland College Prep, which had its inaugural graduation last week. The 44 Young Women’s graduates entered the brand new school as ninth-graders four years ago.

Principal Delesa O’Dell-Thomas praised the graduating students for enduring the challenging course loads and finally arriving at their graduation day.

“Our girls had to overcome many personal issues and balance a full workload of pre-AP, AP, and some dual credit courses. It has not been easy for many, but I am glad we were able to provide the personalized attention each girl needed,” she said. “Through it all, they had the grit to remain on course and finish the race of graduating from high school.”

Graduate Arbay Muya was excited to receive the pay-off for all of her hard work. She expressed her gratitude for everything YWCPA has given her.

“I am prepared for the world, for school, for college, and for my life,” she said. “I feel like I am one step closer to my dream and ready to begin a new chapter.”

Dr. Bonnie Dunbar, a NASA aerospace engineer, spoke at the ceremony about persevering in male-dominated professions. Trustee Paula Harris also gave a speech about how much YWCPA means to her, since she aided its opening and development.

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