When Haley, Kassidy, and Sierra started attending Valley High School in Las Vegas, they seemed disinterested in school and didn’t engage with teachers or other authority figures. They often skipped classes and struggled academically. However, instead of giving up on them, Valley High School introduced the triplets to the GEAR UP Program.
The GEAR UP Program, part of the federal Higher Education Act, aims to support low-income students by helping them develop skills, receive encouragement, and prepare for postsecondary education. As the triplets started feeling safe and supported by the GEAR UP staff, they began to improve academically.
But there was more to their story than anyone could have imagined. When they finally opened up about their lives, the truth was horrifying. The triplets had lost their mother when they were only 3 years old, and their father was sent to prison when they were in 6th grade. They ended up living with their grandmother, who didn’t believe in education, so they didn’t attend school until they turned 8.
When their father was released from prison, they moved back in with him. However, he would frequently leave the girls alone for weeks at a time. Eventually, they were removed from his custody after their home was involved in a shooting while he was away. The triplets then went to live with their neglectful grandparents and experienced homelessness, hunger, and lack of basic necessities.
Despite their challenging circumstances, with the help of their GEAR UP teachers, the girls managed to overcome the loss of their parents and homelessness. Their determination and hard work paid off, and they successfully graduated from high school. Throughout their high school years, they maintained a GPA above 3.0, took advanced courses, participated in school activities, and even worked jobs as “unaccompanied minors.”
But the story doesn’t end there. The FOX5 Surprise Squad decided to surprise the triplets at their graduation ceremony. Their incredible story of survival inspired the FOX5 Surprise Squad to be there for their special day.
In the video below, you can see the Yeckes Triplets being pulled aside after receiving their diplomas while the entire school watches. They are about to receive the surprise of their lives. This amazing story of overcoming adversity is truly inspiring.
The Yeckes Triplets, Haley, Kassidy, and Sierra, have defied all odds. They not only overcame the loss of both parents and periods of homelessness but also excelled academically and graduated from high school. Their story is a testament to their resilience and determination.
Let’s celebrate their incredible achievement and share their inspiring story with our friends on Facebook. Together, we can spread positivity and uplift others with these stories of triumph over adversity.
