At age 20, John David (J.D.) Driver dropped out of high school — but this spring, at age 22, J.D. was the speaker at his high school graduation, thanks to Christel House Academy, a public charter school network in Indianapolis.

J.D. calls the teachers at Christel House “family.” “They’re the only reason I finally graduated,” he said.

J.D.’s family moved frequently when he was growing up. With each move, J.D. started at a new school, and he fell further behind in his classes.

When J.D. was a 12th grader at Pike High School in Indianapolis in 2014, he decided to drop out and join the military. Without a high school diploma, however, he found he couldn’t enlist.

Making matters worse, J.D’s family withdrew its support, and he became homeless. For more than a year, he worked odd jobs, including as a janitor and at a fast food restaurant.

A former guidance counselor from Pike High School encouraged J.D. to think about enrolling in Christel House to complete his high school education. Christel House includes an adult high school program that allows students to attend night or weekend classes. The program incorporates technology and in-class instruction, helping students to develop workplace, social, and academic skills.

J.D. enrolled, but he continued to face challenges. On top of his academic responsibilities, J.D. had to pay bills and hold a steady job. He says there were times when he wanted to give up and drop out.

But Christel House teachers and staff refused to give up on J.D. They visited his house, his job and the basketball court where he played on the weekends. They encouraged, cajoled and pressured him to stick with the program and graduate.

“The teachers would work with me and make sure I had that opportunity to move forward,” J.D. said. “From there, something clicked.”

Earlier this month, J.D. delivered the commencement speech at his graduation, which fell on his mother’s birthday. His mother, a single parent to eight children who never graduated from high school, was there to cheer him on as he received his diploma. “That was probably the best gift I could have given her,” he said.

Now, J.D. strives to lead by example for his younger siblings. He hopes to attend college for culinary arts and music production.

His advice to others who might be considering dropping out? Don’t.

“Stay in school,” he said. “Do the work. Get it done while you have it in your schedule and in your daily routine.”