LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY)-- The Lafayette Juvenile Detention Home had its first student graduate from high school today.
Braxton Francis, 17, graduated from Lafayette High School at the facility.
"I'm not the same kid that I was when I came in here," Francis said.
Lafayette Parish School System Superintendent Francis Touchet presented Francis with his diploma.
"I feel good," Francis said. "I feel happy. I finally achieved my goal."
After his release, he hopes to start his own business, and his next goal hits closer to home. Francis said he plans to learn American Sign Language to help those who are hearing impaired, like his mom.
Braxton's teachers and mentors, Lafayette Mayor-President Monique Blanco Boulet and Superintendent Touchet all spoke to Francis' determination and leadership, as he is the first of about 25 students in the facility to graduate.
Students graduate from a high school in their home parish, completing their education from the facility at their own pace. Francis graduated from Lafayette High School.
Arsenio Andrus, Training and Compliance Coordinator at the Lafayette Juvenile Detention Home, said the facility tries to maintain a rehabilitative environment that values education.
"This educational program is not only academic, but we're teaching interdisciplinary skills," Andrus said. "Of course. they're hitting those core subjects, but we're trying to open the minds of the youth here, really focusing on critical thinking."
