CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Texas foster care students are defying statistics with only 63% of foster youth graduating compared to the state average of 90%.

"Actually I'm really proud because I didn't, to this day I never thought I would actually walk the stage or make it with all the thoughts I had in my mind," said Cortney Cantu, one of a dozen foster care students celebrating their graduation. Foster youth beat the odds, celebrate high school graduation

Cantu's cap tells her story: "If you knew my story, you would be proud."

The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services hosted their annual graduates reception, honoring high school graduates from Nueces and Webb County who have overcome significant challenges in the foster care system.

"I was moving around a lot. Five differe

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