Kevin Avila's senior picture portrays him wearing a meaningful tribute to his family. The traditional scarf reads: "For my parents who came with nothing."

EAGLE GROVE — Kevin Avila is not only the first graduate of the Iowa Central High School Options pilot program, he is the first in his family to graduate.

He was able to do this through Options, a program in its first year which is an alternative method for students seeking a high school diploma. It is based on a Des Moines Area Community College concept program, and was a well-received alternative for EGHS students this year.

Timothy Christensen, dean of Secondary Partnerships at Iowa Central, said “he is always looking for ways to provide additional opportunities for students.”

In this case, Christensen partnered with Eagle Grove Schools through an agreement with Jess Toliver, the superintendent there.

When Christensen learned of the Options program, he pushed for its inception at Eagle Grove High School, he said.

Options students attend classes at both at EGHS and at Iowa Central’s North Central Regional Center in Eagle Grove.

The individualized, self-paced program allows students to graduate on their own terms.

On his own terms is exactly how Avila worked the program.

The eldest child of seven, he grew up hearing stories of hardship from his parents who are originally from Veracruz, Mexico. His parents were unable to complete high school and had to begin working to help support their families at a young age.

Despite their stories, Avila left school his sophomore year, unmotivated and lacking direction. After working for a year and gaining real world knowledge, he decided to return to school only to find that he was short of credits to graduate with his class.

Then, he was offered a spot in the Options program, which he readily accepted.

“When (I) saw other students succeeding (I) felt like (I) could too,” he said.

“The program was fun,” he added.

He would recommend it to other students “because of the chance you have to make stronger bonds with your teacher and your classmates than you would in traditional high school.”

Avila’s parents did not expect to raise a family in the United States, but could not be happier with their son’s success. They are full of pride and joy for their eldest son.

Last week, Kevin Avila walked across the Eagle Grove High School stage last as a first-generation graduate.

Not only did he walk the stage, he said, “but it was his way of letting his parents walk it too.”