June 26, 2025
At Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD), we believe every student deserves to be seen, heard, and supported. For Tyrise Carey, a senior graduating from the Detroit School of Arts, that support began early and has shaped every step of her journey. Her story is one of courage, self-discovery, and transformation as a young person living with Autism.
“I was diagnosed when I was two years old,” Tyrise shares. “My mom didn’t know what Autism was at first, but she did what any loving parent would, she learned everything she could and got me the help I needed.” That early support included starting school at age three, where she began to find connections through the resources available in her early childhood classrooms.
Like many children navigating new environments, Tyrise faced challenges with social interactions. “In preschool and kindergarten, I was a shy and nervous little girl,” she reflects. “I often worried no one wanted to be my friend.” But thanks to her teachers and Exceptional Student Education (ESE) staff, Tyrise received the encouragement and tools to open up. “They helped me feel brave. I began to love school, make friends, and see myself as a smart girl.”
Creative at heart, Tyrise finds joy in activities like singing, dancing, acting, and even doing voiceovers. She embraces her individuality and uses her passions to express herself. Still, as she moved into high school, the road wasn’t always easy—especially during the pandemic. “I wanted to ask about activities, but I didn’t know how. I was scared to talk to people and stayed in my shell.”
Her ninth-grade year was particularly isolated. After expressing those feelings in class, her parents and principal rallied around her. A DPSCD counselor began working closely with Tyrise, helping her develop emotional tools and the confidence to re-engage with the school community. “That’s when things started to change,” she said.
With determination and support, she found her voice again—joining clubs, reconnecting with old friends, and trying new things like fashion and step teams. “I needed more ways to feel included, so I looked for them,” she said proudly. “I even joined a church choir and started participating in events like Grab the Night.”
Tyrise's journey is not only a testament to her strength but to the value of an inclusive education. Through individualized support, family advocacy, and a district-wide commitment to equity, DPSCD helped create an environment where Tyrise could thrive as her full self.
This fall, Tyrise will attend Oakland University on a full-ride scholarship. She is a proud recipient of the Detroit Promise and has been awarded a total of $20,000 in scholarships. Tyrise will be pursuing a major in Graphic Art & Design as she takes the next step in her academic and creative journey.
Tyrise story reminds us: when we truly see our students, believe in them, and build support around them—they can achieve incredible things. Congratulations, Tyrise! We are #DPSCDProud of you and all your accomplishments.
