The past year has been difficult for everyone, but among those most affected by the pandemic are students whose living situation is not stable. In Round Rock ISD, these students are supported by the Round Rock ISD Families in Transition (FiT) program. Students in the FiT program are classified as homeless.

Of the nearly 1,000 students who are in the FiT program or are in foster care, 23 of those students are graduating seniors this year. Desiree Le, who serves as Round Rock ISD’s FiT Coordinator and District Homeless/Foster Care Liaison, said she could not be more proud of the resilience these students have shown. To celebrate their accomplishments, Le was determined to give each student a graduation gift. With the help of community partners, she was able to meet this goal. The Round Rotary provided $50 gift cards for each 2021 graduate in the program and Rotary members donated additional gifts and vouchers for services.

“Over the last year and a half with COVID-19 and the winter storm natural disaster, our community has really come together in collaboration to support our students,” Le said. “With many of our students experiencing homelessness, the last two years of virtual learning and uncertainty has made finishing high school all the more challenging. I am so proud of our 23 FiT graduates for all that they’ve overcome.”

In addition to the gift cards, graduates received handbags, wallets, generic fitbits and wallets donated from Shop LC. Students also received Paul Mitchell Central Texas Beauty College haircut vouchers and clothing from Austin Threads.

Matt Baker, president of the Round Rock Rotary, said that it is the mission of Rotary to serve and give back to the community.

“It is an honor to celebrate these young people who have overcome so much,” Baker said. “Our members were happy to contribute gift cards and we wish these students the best of luck on their journey.”

To learn more about how your business or organization can partner with Round Rock ISD, email Rachael Sefton, Community Partnerships Supervisor.