When Joshua Grooms looked out to the stands at Lake Elsinore Storm Stadium during his graduation ceremony on May 21, 2025, two faces came to his mind who were not in the crowd of thousands.
Ravaged by addictions and beset by tragedy, neither of Joshua’s parents were able to join the extended family who had gathered in the bleachers to watch Joshua walk across the graduation stage as part of the Riverside County Office of Education’s CBK Charter School Class of 2025.
After his father passed in 2024, Joshua dropped out of school and bounced from one temporary home to another before finding some stability by moving in with his older sister.
“After I dropped out of school, I was kind of feeling low,” Joshua said. “I had low self-esteem. I didn't think I was going to make it in life,” Joshua said. I just sat around every day, lounging around. I was very unproductive.”
Joshua’s sister and her boyfriend encouraged Joshua to complete his high school requirements. His cousin, Christopher, told him about CBK Charter School, a dropout recovery program operated by the Riverside County Office of Education.
“That really gave me a morale boost,” Joshua said.
At CBK, Joshua met Specialized Academic Instructor, Dr. Develyn Biagas.
“My first impression of her was that she was very nice,” Joshua said. “But, she didn’t baby me.”
Joshua’s time with CBK spanned only three months, but in that short time, he gained paid work experience through a partnership with Planet Youth Center, passed the GED test on his first try, and unlocked a pathway for unlimited opportunity.
“He is excited about a future that he thought he would never have,” Dr. Develyn Biagas said. “He went from being a young man who sat on his sister’s couch every day, to finishing school, working a new job, and having his hope renewed.”
When Joshua first started school, Dr. Biagas recalled his somber appearance that reflected a lack of motivation. But, as he began achieving milestones, he shed the weight of his past, transforming him on the inside and outside. Dr. Biagas also helped him get through the challenging process of finding all the necessary paperwork to get his first official ID card so he could gain employment and prove his identity.
“I worked at Midas and did oil changes and changed tires after learning about it in my internship through CBK and Planet Youth,” Joshua said.
But, the job didn’t last long as Joshua enlisted in the U.S. Army and has a lot of work to do before leaving for basic training on August 26.
Joshua has an interest in being part of the U.S. Army’s Special Forces unit and will start with the Advanced Individual Training (AIT) program where recruits are taught specific technical skills that fit with their talents and abilities.
“He is excited about training in the military and helping his country,” said Dr. Biagas. “He is a trooper for sure.”
Following graduation, Joshua’s goals include spending time with his family and getting in shape before starting his military career.
“Well, I am overweight, so I’ve got to do some physical work. I already lost five pounds,” Joshua said. “There’s a lot of sweating ahead of me.”
Joshua described a field across the street from his sister’s house where there are people walking and running at all hours of the day. At the top of the hill is a flag that serves as a goal for Joshua’s training routine.
“My goal is to make it up there before I ship out, but it’s about four miles long,” Joshua said. “It’s more than a workout, it’s a goal that reminds me of how I’ve persevered throughout my life—even with hardships and tribulations,” Joshua said.
As Joshua reflects on how much brighter his future is in contrast with the challenges of his youth, he knows he’s not alone.
“There's never been a day where I haven't thought of my dad and him watching over me. He really motivates me. He wanted me to accomplish things, so I'm doing this for him,” Joshua said. “I feel accomplished. I have that hope when you’re proud of yourself.”
