Valedictorian is Seventh Sister to Graduate from DHS
Hannah Ismail comes from a large family . She is the seventh daughter of Palestinian immigrants .
Hannah ’ s parents did not complete their high school education because the increasing violence in their home country forced their school to close . When her family arrived in the United States , Hannah ’ s parents emphasized the importance of education . Of her older sisters , three are nurses , two are teachers and one is still studying to become a teacher . Hannah is forging her own path and plans to study electrical engineering .
“ Hannah is a hard worker and will try anything I throw at her ,” Art Teacher Annette Valenzuela said .
“ Make sure your biggest accomplishment is your next one .”
Hannah , who has attended Duncanville ISD schools since she was in Pre-K , was offered scholarships at several universities . She will attend the University of Texas at Dallas where she received a full scholarship .
STEM ( science , technology , engineering and math ) classes at Duncanville High School helped her to explore and focus her path .
Trying to picture life after graduation , she admits , can create some anxiety .
“ It ’ s the same feeling you have right before freshman year ,” Hannah explained . “ You don ’ t really know – it ’ s a new challenge to tackle .”
Hannah ’ s scholarship covers eight semesters , and she plans to finish both her bachelor ’ s degree and her masters in that time . After that , she intends to complete her Master of Business Administration at the University of Texas .
Her goal is to work at a company that builds schools and then one day start her own business where she can create a school for girls .
In her graduation speech , Hannah hopes to inspire her fellow graduates by sharing a bit of her personal philosophy . It ’ s pretty simple .
“ Make sure your biggest accomplishment is your next one ,” she said .
The decision wasn ’ t easy . Hannah loves literature and is also a gifted artist . Taking advanced placement English and art along with
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