Texas High School Postpones Graduation After Only 5 Students Pass

MARLIN— Marlin High School had to postpone graduation after only five seniors made the requirements to graduate.

Marlin ISD is 25 miles southeast of Waco. 

On May 24, 2023, Marlin ISD had issued a statement on their Facebook that said:

Marlin High School has announced that high school graduation will be rescheduled for June. The decision by the high school to postpone graduation will provide more time for students to meet the necessary requirements for graduation, many of whom did not meet requirements due to attendance or grades.

The move is part of broader effort by Marlin ISD to maintain academic expectations and ensure student success. The district has affirmed its commitment to providing necessary resources and support for students, and the new graduation date is seen as a testament to this commitment.

"Our commitment to excellence remains unshaken," Superintendent Dr. Darryl Henson said. "We hold firm to our belief that every student in Marlin ISD can and will achieve their potential. We maintain high expectations, not as an imposition, but as a show of faith in our students' abilities.

As we navigate these challenges, one thing is clear: students in Marlin ID will be held to the same high standard as any other student in Texas."

The importance of regular school attendance is widely documented in research, supporting the intuitive understanding that being present at school provides students with opportunities to learn, grow, and succeed. Studies consistently show that regular school attendance is a powerful predictor of student success.

"Our shift to a four-day school week is part of our effort to increase bell-to-bell instruction, increase student engagement during days school is in session, and keep absences from infringing on instructional time," Nikisha Edwards, Chief Academic Officer, said. "High standards serve as a benchmark for quality education and ensure that schools remain accountable for delivering high-quality instruction. We are committed to ensuring these strategic shifts benefit students as intended.

A mandatory senior parent meeting will be held at the high school at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 24.

Only five of the 33 seniors met the requirements to graduate at Marlin. After a week of work, 17 more students were added and able to graduate. A new date for Marlin's graduation has been set for sometime in June.