By BRITTANY FHOLER
Cove Leader-Press
Crossroads High School held its annual Fall Graduation Ceremony, with 19 graduates joining the Class of 2025.
Crossroads High School, located at 306 E. Avenue E, is Copperas Cove Independent School District’s alternative high school, offering a different path for students who feel that a traditional high school route is not best for them. Crossroads offers self-paced and computer-based schooling, allowing students to recover credits, graduate on time or early.
Evelin Salmeron, 17, transferred to Crossroads High School from Copperas Cove High School during her sophomore year.
“That high school, the normal high school, was just really chaotic, and I needed something smaller and something calmer, and Crossroads offered that for me,” Salmeron said. “So, I was just like, ‘Okay, let's try it out, and if I don't like it, then I’ll go back to the [Copperas Cove] High School. I absolutely adored Crossroads. It is so amazing there. The people there are awesome. The staff are so sweet, and I just love it.”
Salmeron said she wants to go to college to major in finances or accounting and to go work at a bank, helping people manage their finances.
“Crossroads prepared me because I would talk to the teachers, and they would give me electives that aligned with what I wanted to do,” Salmeron said. “There's so many different things. They have child development, and they have art if you're interested in doing art. They have so many options that you wouldn't think would be at an online school, but it is just great.”
Salmeron said the other students at Crossroads helped her come out of her shell and socialize, and the teachers were very helpful in her journey towards graduation.
Malik Doswell, 18, transferred to Crossroads High School from Killeen due to having a lot of family matters going on.
He said that compared to his school in Killeen, the administrators and staff at Crossroads were very understanding and supportive of his situation.
He added that he initially didn’t have the motivation for pursuing his diploma, but after he transferred to Crossroads, the teachers and staff showed him that they were there to help get him through school and to further his education.
Doswell said he wants to pursue nursing school and this goal was his motivation to keep going.
“I want to do better with my life,” he added. “[The staff at Crossroads] have just been there every step of the way. It doesn’t matter if they’re a teacher or teacher’s aide, they’re still going to help you, no matter what.”
Doswell said he transferred to Crossroads in December 2024. He attributed his success to the connections made in the classrooms at Crossroads.
Crossroads High School Assistant Principal Felix Alaniz shared a brief message with the graduates and their families before the graduates walked across the stage in the S.C. Lee Junior High cafeteria to receive their diplomas.
“Graduates, this isn't just about getting a diploma. It's about acknowledging the incredible journey, the dedication and the perseverance that has brought you to this moment,” Alaniz said. “You’ve tackled challenges, perhaps even unexpected ones, during the summer months, and you’ve emerged victorious. At Crossroads High School, we often talk about forging your own path, and that’s precisely what you've done. You’ve demonstrated resilience and determination, really embodying the Bulldawg spirit. Each of you has a unique story of troubles that you have conquered and goals achieved. This school, right here in the heart of Central Texas, is a place where every step forward, no matter how small, leads to something bigger.”
Alaniz has been at Crossroads High School for five years, and he said it is remarkable to see these kids come to the school with all sorts of challenges and see them graduate.
“The reaction on their faces and their guardians’ faces is just amazing,” Alaniz said.
Crossroads High School’s Fall Class of 2025 saw a total of 19 students graduate, Alaniz said.
Graduates that walked Friday evening include:
James Alejos, Alexandra Castillo, Aiden Cassidy, Kennedi Crabtree, Drym Daniels, Malik Doswell-Orum, Diego Gonzalez, Jody Jackson, Evan Lewis, Rayleen Tupou-Smith, Kaleb Martin, Shacarri Merritt, Arielle Mintel, Faith O’Rea, Evelin Salmeron, and Colt Slatton.
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