Keynote speaker Brian Cuban at podium speaking to attendees at CEC in MISD for Serenity High Breakfast

Pictured above: Attorney and author Brian Cuban provides the keynote address at the second annual Serenity High fundraiser breakfast on Tuesday, April 2, 2024.

McKinney, Texas — If you didn’t know it was there, you could easily miss it. Nestled on the campus of McKinney North High School, the unassuming signage doesn’t clamor for attention. But, a glimpse through the windows of the reception area reveals a framed mural that proclaims the school’s identity with quiet strength.

“Serenity High,” it reads.

There are a lot of stories behind that name. One of the only public recovery high schools in the country, Serenity High opened its doors on October 11, 1999, to give students who have successfully completed a recovery program—and their parents—hope, to offer a path to a Texas high school diploma in a safe and sober educational environment.

McKinney Mayor George Fuller speaking at podium at Serenity High breakfastMcKinney Mayor George Fuller speaks at the second annual Serenity High Breakfast fundraiser on April 2, 2024.

Since its inception, more than 300 students have completed their academic journey and crossed the graduation stage—students who might have never done so, if not for the work of Serenity High.

“I believe that this school changes the trajectory of high schoolers who have had their education derailed from substance misuse,” said Serenity High Advisory Board President Angie Rogers. “Serenity High gives these students a second chance at rebuilding their lives, in addition to completing their high school education, in a sober, safe and supportive environment.”

Serenity Board President Angie Rogers speaks at the second annual Serenity High Breakfast fundraiser on Tuesday, April 2, 2024.Serenity Board President Angie Rogers speaks at the second annual Serenity High Breakfast fundraiser on Tuesday, April 2, 2024.

Rogers and other members of the Serenity High board spearheaded the effort that culminated in the second annual Serenity High Breakfast, held Tuesday, April 2, to raise funds in support of the ongoing mission of the school.

More than 160 attendees heard from Neil Sperry, who along with his wife Lynn Sperry, played a pivotal role in the school’s founding. McKinney Mayor George Fuller spoke candidly of the journey of one of his own children. A former student shared her story of the life altering impact of Serenity High, and attorney and author Brian Cuban—brother of Mark Cuban—offered the keynote address, chronicling his own path from the dark spiral of addiction to the light of recovery.

Through the breakfast, the generosity of business partners and community members was poured out upon Serenity. In all, the event raised $36,000 for the school and perhaps more importantly, awareness of the life changing impact of this quiet, unassuming school on the campus of McKinney North High School.

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Serenity High Dean of Students Allie Long speaks at the second annual Serenity High Breakfast fundraiser.Serenity High Dean of Students Allie Long speaks at the second annual Serenity High Breakfast fundraiser.

woman in the audience holding up her phone to take a photo during speechSome 160 guests attended the second annual Serenity High Breakfast fundraiser which brought in $36,000 for the school.

Neil Sperry at the podium speakingNeil Sperry, who played an instrumental role in the founding of Serenity High, speaks at the second annual Serenity High Breakfast fundraiser on Tuesday, April 2, 2024.