Tina didn't even tilt hers back like most of the other girls. Hers is on regulation flat, like the instructions said.

"It's not for long. And then we're graduates!"

Her smile is from ear to ear. Not many people in her family have walked across that stage. Her oldest sister, Diana, did, but Donna dropped out and got her GED. She has no idea if her mom did or not, and she knows her grandparents didn't.

Tina's pretty proud of herself.