Sometimes a major event leads to a questionable decision. Sometimes it’s minor but still causes a problem.
For Lyric Lawrence, it came down to too much idle time.
In the wake of COVID-19 and ensuing shutdown of most everything familiar, the Fortis Academy graduate reflects on the time she was trying to navigate her new normal.
“It was very depressing,” Lawrence said. “This was the first time I had that much time. I had some personal things going on and it led me astray.”
“Astray” led to experimenting with drugs and substance abuse. “Astray” led to disciplinary problems at her home campus in Goose Creek Consolidated Independent School District. “Astray” led to multiple trips to alternative school.
But with adversity came an opportunity, one in which Lawrence took advantage.
She enrolled at Harris County Department of Education’s (HCDE) Fortis Academy at the beginning of her senior year. The school is among 40 recovery schools nationwide and only public school in the Houston area serving students recovering from substance-use disorders. Students are referred by their home districts and selected following an interview and screening process.
Fortis combines three components – coaching, counseling and academics – to support students as they work toward earning a diploma in a safe and sober environment.
Before enrolling, Lawrence fought substance-abuse problems. Her parents weren’t in the picture and she lived with her grandparents for the majority of her life. Oshea Spencer, Lawrence’s aunt, and her family helped fill a void left by her brother (Lawrence’s father).
“I started smoking in ninth grade after COVID because I was locked in the house with nothing to do,” Lawrence said. “That would make my mind go to a different place instead of just being in the room. And then it just kept getting worse.”
Lawrence was sent to alternative school multiple times. That led to feelings of judgement when she returned to her home campus.
At one point, the mother she didn’t know contacted her out of nowhere.
“I couldn’t tell my grandparents about it because I was too scared to,” Lawrence said. “So now, I’m dealing with all that by myself.”
Fortis helped change that.
“She had some challenges along the way and Fortis was very instrumental in helping her to refocus and understand that sometimes it takes someone from outside of your family to help you gain perspective and understand your true potential,” Spencer said. “Lyric is a bright young lady and she has a strong support system, but she needed individuals in her educational community to understand her struggles and support her through them.”
Lawrence and three Fortis classmates graduated May 24, donning their royal blue caps and gowns and crossing the stage in front of family and friends. Lawrence’s family was front and center, holding a congratulatory banner and wearing Lamar University shirts.
Lawrence, who plans on studying criminal justice, begins her college journey this summer.
“It has been inspiring, it has been rewarding and – for us – it has been a dream come true,” said Spencer. “Our dream for Lyric since she was born was that she would go to college. When she encountered challenges, we were concerned regarding whether or not she’d be able to.”
Lawrence has participated in the school’s culinary arts program and brand-new Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) class.
Through the culinary arts program, she and classmates made cookies for the Dining with Divas event during the Texas Alliance of Black School Educators’ 39th annual conference in March. Last week, she helped make a full breakfast meal during a campus visit for HCDE Superintendent James Colbert Jr. and a visiting reporter.
Through CNA courses, Lawrence is currently studying for her state exam. If all goes well, she said it will be an option while in college.
“Lyric has made full use of the resources and opportunities that we have available,” Fortis Principal Travita Godfrey said. “She has learned to self-advocate and communicate her needs, which is a skill that will benefit her greatly in college and life in general. Knowing when to seek help and communicate that need to others is critical for all of us, but especially for young adults who are just learning to navigate life’s obstacles and challenges.”
Among the hugs and congratulations at graduation was the excitement of what’s to come for Lawrence. She’s excited about college.
She also reflected on graduation. Just a few years ago, her path wasn’t solidified, but with her support system, Lawrence righted her ship.
“The value in Fortis is that it is not a school about punishment. It is a school about rehabilitation and recovery,” Spencer said. “That has been instrumental in Lyric’s life and in her future.”