It seems the number of addictions one may become cursed with is increasing and, unfortunately, many of those who become addicted are teens. Many have not completed high school because rehabilitation programs instruct the victim of that disease not to return to the same crowd or environment that may have prompted their addiction.
So, realizing this dilemma for many, many young people, some of the community leaders started the process in 1998 to form an institution as part of the McKinney Independent School District to provide a sober environment for those who wanted to be able to get their high school diploma. Lynn Sperry, a board member of the MISD, was key in getting the concept off the ground. Both she and her husband, horticulturist, Neil, serve on the Serenity High advisory board and have been actively involved for all 20 years of Serenity’s existence. The Sperrys say, “Helping the staff and students at Serenity High for the past 20 years has been one of the most rewarding experiences of our lives."
With its 20 year anniversary recently celebrated, Serenity High has become one of the longest-tenured recovery high schools in America after opening its doors Oct. 11, 1999. Serenity High is open to students who have successfully completed a recognized treatment program and who want to complete requirements to earn a Texas high school diploma. Students at Serenity are not judged by race, gender, religion or social standing, and the students are seen as family.
Principal Stephen Issa says, “I liken the field of education to a tree with many branches, each one offering something distinctive to one’s interest and talents. My rewarding experience at Serenity High has served to foster this belief.”
This facility is obviously serving the community well and is certainly needed since the number of teens afflicted with addictions grows at such an astonishing rate. Please visit MckinneyISD.serenity.net to learn more and donate to this worthy cause.
