Shenita Fletcher believes in second chances.
Four years ago, the Potomac Falls High School student was involved in a physical altercation with another student that resulted in a three-month suspension.
"I don’t remember much about the fight. Just that I was so angry. It was like I blacked out and started swinging," she said. "I didn’t know where the anger was coming from, but I knew I had to do something about it. It scared me."
When Principal David Spage gave her the opportunity to come back to school the following year, she knew she had to make the most out of the remainder of her high-school career.
"He just brushed it off, let me come back and told me everyone deserves a second chance," Fletcher said. "I’ll never forget that. I think it changed my life."
When she returned to school her sophomore year, Spage said he noticed a dramatic change in Fletcher’s personality.
"It was like she realized she had a choice to change her attitude," he said, "and she did."
Spage said Fletcher not only changed her attitude, but turned her grades around and started showing up to class on time.
"She had a lot of eyes on her," he said. "She had a really good support system at home at the time. So she could change her life around."
This Thursday, Fletcher will graduate with the rest of her class at George Mason University.
AROUND THE SAME time Fletcher returned to school, she moved out of her mother’s house and in with her father, which brought her closer to her grandparents, Jo May Hills and John Hills.
"Like Mr. Spage, they never game up on me either," Fletcher said. "They would just tell me over and over, ‘I love you.’ ‘I love you.’ Maybe I needed to hear that."
Jo May Hills said she noticed a change in her granddaughter when she returned to school her sophomore year.
"She smiled a lot more," Jo May Hills said. "She would answer me when I asked her a question instead of just giving me that look."
Jo May Hills said she admired the way her granddaughter chose to change her life. She always knew she had it in her.
"I don’t think she realized how beautiful a person she really is, in spirit and in appearance," Jo May Hill said. "She has a lot of wonderful qualities. It just took her a little while to realize it."
ASIDE FROM TEACHERS and friends, Fletcher found strength in her step team. Stepping is a form of dance that engages the entire body and involves a series of footsteps, spoken word and handclaps.
"It’s not dance, it’s not cheerleading," Fletcher said. "It’s something I really love."
The 18-year-old began stepping as a freshman at Potomac Falls High School. As she gained more confidence in herself, her skills improved. By senior year, Fletcher led her team through step routines she created.
"I like to watch the younger kids improve," she said. "It makes me feel good knowing I helped them."
Fletcher’s grandmother said one of the teenager’s best qualities is her compassion for other people.
"She really cares about the girls," Jo May Hill said. "She takes her time with them. She teaches them."
FLETCHER SAT IN front of her computer the night of Monday, June 19, to enroll in classes at Northern Virginia Community College in Sterling.
"I’m not quite sure what I want to do yet, but I am good at working with people," she said. "I am a completely different person than I was my freshman year of high school."
Fletcher will walk across George Mason University’s stage to receive her diploma with her head held high.
"I didn’t know if I was going to make it here," she said, "but I did and it feels so good."