PASCO COUNTY, Fla. — A Pasco County high school for kids in recovery just celebrated its first graduating student after opening in January 2021. 

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Christina started at Victory High ‘broken,’ using self-destructive ways of expression. She said she had a tough childhood and turned to drugs to cope.

“Well, the drugs I was doing. I had no motivation at all to do anything,” she said. “I don’t think I’d be here today if I didn’t come to this school.”

Her teacher, Laurel Minthorn, said she walked with Christina every step of the way.

“We do a lot more than just school. We’re every component. I mean, we’re best friends, we’re family — and anytime, anything, she’s been struggling with, we’ve walked through with her,” Minthorn said.

Christina said she got more help and support than she could have imagined, from a family she always wanted and needed.

“Knowing that my future is in my hands, and I control what happens to me,” Christina said. “Knowing that, I’m finally on a good path. That makes me happy.”

Christina now likes to express herself through art and wants to become a tattoo artist one day.

“She had been here since the very first day we opened,” Minthorn said. “I’m so excited and I’m so proud of her. She is like my daughter. I’m trying not to cry. I’m more proud of her than she’ll ever know.”