JCPS alternative school helps teen mom graduate, prepare for college

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- When Danaisha Thompson walks across the graduation stage later this month, her one-month-old daughter will be in the audience watching — a milestone moment the 18-year-old once thought she’d never reach.

The soon-to-be graduate of Breckinridge Metro High School says her life took a dramatic turn after transferring to the Jefferson County Public Schools alternative high school.

"At first, I didn't really take anything seriously," Thompson said. "I was at Fairdale High School. I ended up here (Breckinridge Metro) for fighting."

Initially discouraged by the school’s reputation, Thompson said she found a level of support at Breckinridge Metro that she had never experienced before.

"I heard so many bad things about this school," she said. "But all of those were rumors and false information. The teachers are actually getting to know me — everybody is nice."

Thompson was behind on credits when she first arrived, but with the help of her teachers and school staff, she quickly got back on track.

Then, in September, another challenge arose — she found out she was pregnant and left school.

"I got pregnant," she said. "I saw my grades dropping — like dropping really badly — so I was like, ‘I want to go back to school.’"

In December, Thompson found the motivation to return.

"I didn’t want to be a nobody with a baby," she said.

Her daughter, Delani Thompson, has been a source of inspiration ever since. For the past month, Delani has often accompanied her to school, staying in the front office with a staff member Thompson refers to as her daughter’s "Grammy."

"Her name is Ms. Wollert," Thompson said.

Thompson also draws strength from the memory of her late grandmother.

"I hope she's looking down at me, and she's proud of me," she said.

With hard work and determination, Thompson is now an A/B student and preparing for her next steps. After graduation, she plans to attend Jefferson Community and Technical College before transferring to the University of Louisville to become a pediatric nurse.

"When I walk across the stage, I’ve gotta get ready for a new life," she said.

Thompson is one of dozens of Breckinridge Metro High School students set to graduate May 24.

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JCPS alternative school helps teen mom graduate, prepare for college