TUCSON, Ariz. (KGUN) – They made the grades and passed their exams. Then the time has come for the latest generation of TUSD high school graduates to put the pom-poms on their caps.

On Tuesday, students and their families were able to celebrate this milestone together. TUSD hosted its 31st annual winter start for 12 district schools within Palo Verde High Magnet School.

A total of 102 graduates, including speaker James Matheson, were able to take the stage and receive their diplomas. Matheson, 20, said it took him a little longer to get to this point in his educational journey.

“I always had issues with myself — mentally, I always felt behind, especially when I didn’t graduate the first time,” Matheson said. “December 15, 2023 – I had no intention of coming back, but God saved me by sending a cop to arrest me,” he said.

By overcoming his personal struggles with drug and alcohol addiction, Matheson was also able to focus his time and ultimately graduated from Tucson Unified Virtual Academy (TUVA). “No matter what happens in life, the only person you have to rely on is yourself and no one else,” Matheson told his fellow graduates.

What’s next for Matheson? “I’m leaving for Seattle on January 1 to pursue culinary studies for two years,” he said. Matheson found his inspiration watching his father work in professional kitchens.

“I’ve always been a fan of food… (my father) was almost a Michelin star chef working for a Michelin star restaurant. He kind of started that catalyst, and I kind of want to carry on that legacy and get a Michelin Star in front of him and brag about it,” Matheson said.

Other students, like Katie Cunningham, graduated early from TUVA to get a head start on the next chapter of their college careers. Cunningham said she will attend Northern Arizona University next month and begin studying nursing.

“I grew up in the hospital with different family members,” Cunningham said. “I kind of fell in love with the whole field of nursing and how it can help people, so I decided I wanted to do that.”

Graduate Emma Suarez said she was initially worried she wouldn’t graduate on time because she was falling behind in required credits. But Suarez said she has worked diligently to get back on track.

“I was able to catch up, here I am,” Suarez said. She will attend Pima Community College in January and pursue a degree in psychology.

Frank Armenta, TUSD assistant. Superintendent of Leadership and Student Success, said seeing days like this graduation are moments that make his job worthwhile. “As a former high school principal, this is an exciting opportunity to celebrate with families and especially students who want to continue their education,” he said.