Washoe Country School District
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Aaron Palacio's Profile
Galena Graduate Takes Can-Do Attitude to the Finish Line
Student: Aaron Palacio
School: Galena High School
Eighteen-year-old Aaron Palacio began discovering a different future for himself once he entered his senior year. He made up for a failed English credit from his previous high school years at Galena High School and enrolled in an Advanced Placement class in which he found a group of peers who encouraged him to do better.
“When I was new at Galena, I failed my classes,” Aaron said. “I didn’t know how to get organized. But I realized I wanted to get my diploma.”
As a student at Pine Middle School before coming to Galena, Aaron said when he didn’t understand the work, he didn’t ask for help. But that habit changed in high school. He passed all his state proficiency exams and over time, according to his counselor, Joseph Stuart, his attitude changed and he developed better study habits.
“I want to be a certified mechanic,” Aaron said. “When I was little, I used to help my dad on his truck and used to repair trailers in Mexico.”
Stuart said taking a Plato class and the first semester of AP American government helped him get caught up in his credits. He now prepares to go on to Truckee Meadows Community College so he can study automotive and receive his certification.
“I feel good about it,” he said. “Who wouldn’t want to graduate? I’d just say keep trying.”
Stuart said he’s seen Aaron transform from someone who never applied himself academically to understanding how important it is to get his diploma.
“He always had the ability to go on to higher education, but I think the light finally came on and he sees a better future for himself that he has the ability to pursue,” Stuart said.
