Rayven Perkins came to DeSoto Independent School District in the third grade as an adjustment to a change in family dynamics. Her DeSoto ISD journey started at Cockrell Hill Elementary, proceeding to West Middle School before entering DeSoto High School’s Early College High School (ECHS) program. She is one of five Eagle Band members in the top 10 highest academic achieving scholars of the class of 2020.
“I’ve been in the band since my freshman year and this year I served as a drum major,” Rayven said. “It has been a great experience to grow as a person and learn about myself. I play clarinet and have been since sixth grade.”
Through the demanding curriculum of the ECHS, which allows students to graduate with an associate degree in conjunction with a high school diploma, Rayven’s march included participation in the National Honor Society, Spanish National Honor Society, and the Art National Honor Society. With plans to continue her college education at Texas Christian University majoring in psychology, Rayven said it was the ECHS program that provided a college experience which can be applied to her university experience in the fall.
Rayven credits her “beautiful, brilliant” mom, Crystal Reed, for her success to date. “When I was seven, my parents divorced, and we moved from Louisiana to Texas. Without my biological father to support my family, there have been many challenges that my mom and I have overcome together,” said Rayven. At times, the situation looked bleak and Rayven wondered if it would ever get better. “As a little girl, I never imagined myself to be in the position. Coming out of a defeatist mindset, I pulled myself up the ranks in high school. Ending ranked seventh in our class, I am beyond proud of myself as well as my peers for working diligently these past four years.”
Congratulations Rayven! Soar on Proud Eagle! #TogetherWeWill #DHS2020Top10