Krause Children's Center graduation honors
students, staff for excellence

Katy, Texas - Krause Children's Center in Katy held a graduation ceremony on May 18th for eighth and 12th-grade students graduating from Trinity Charter School, which provides educational services to Krause residents.

The Krause Children's Center cares for boys and girls, ages 11 to 17, who have severe emotional and behavioral problems as a result of past abuse and neglect.

"I am overwhelmed with pride by the graduates I see here today," said Renaté Doss, CEO of Krause Children's Center, as she addressed the students, staff and Krause supporters who gathered for the event. "I have faith that every student here can accomplish their dreams, whatever they may be."

This year's commencement speaker was Texas businessman and former Houston Oiler Mac Haik, who encouraged students to believe in themselves in order to triumph over the troubles of the past. He recalled the challenges he faced growing up poor in Mississippi.

"Whatever brought you to Krause, whatever your past problems, remember that your future starts now, and that nobody is 'better' than you, no matter what they may think," he said.

For Krause Principal Tonya Woods, the ceremony holds incredible importance for the children served by Krause.

"So many of our students arrive with a disruptive past, often with a lack of focus on academics," said Woods. "Children at Krause often arrive several grade levels behind where they should be. As a result, graduation is a rare and wonderful occurrence, and it should be celebrated as a triumph and a model for other students," Woods also announced.

Following the ceremony, Doss and Woods saluted teachers and staff of Krause. The students cheered as each teacher was recognized with honorary certificates. Doss also surprised Woods with a plaque for Principal of the Year for her dedication to the students.

"Everything we do here is a team effort," said Doss. "We rely on and support each other to help our students achieve more."

Trinity Charter School began partnering with Lutheran Social Services, the operator of the Krause center, in 2004. The charter school was created to allow educators and therapists to develop a curriculum specifically to address the educational needs of the emotionally and behaviorally disturbed students at the center.

For more information on children's residential services call 800-938-5777 or click here.