Whitman Becomes First AMI-Kids Student to Receive Diploma

by Ronnie Zamora/LFCISD

Tyler Drake Whitman became the first student from the AMI Kids Rio Grande Valley program to graduate with a diploma from Los Fresnos High School during a brief ceremony Tuesday.

Whitman, 17, is from Amarillo.

AMI Kids RGV was established in 1986 as a private, nonprofit residential program that operates 24 hours a day with students residing on campus. The young men, mostly in ages from 13 to 18, are at AMI Kids RGV after they were referred by the Department of Juvenile Justice.

Whitman has been at AMI since February, and needed 11 credits to graduate. He was determined to finish, taking classes during the summer as well. He passed his End of Course (EOC) exams to meet requirements.

He is the eighth of 13 children and the first in his family to receive a high school diploma.

“This place has changed my life,” Whitman said. “Hopefully, I can help my younger brothers and sisters graduate too. Now I hope to enroll in college.”

Whitman plans to return home to his family after leaving AMI Kids RGV on Friday.

AMI Kids RGV supports the educational success and skill development necessary to seek employment and attend college after graduation. Students work towards a high school diploma or GED and transition planning begins upon admission.

Trained staff members work with students to address challenging issues at home, in the neighborhood and in school so that youth can develop the necessary skills to lead a successful life and positively contribute to their community.