When the Yeckes triplets arrived at Valley High School in Las Vegas, they didn't seem to care about school. Haley, Kassidy, and Sierra were defensive toward teachers, counselors, and authority figures in general. They had attendance issues and were failing their classes. The girls kept to themselves and only relied on each other.
Instead of turning its back on them, the school introduced the triplets to the GEAR UP program, which provided them with extra care and support. The more the triplets felt safe with the GEAR UP staff, the more they improved their attendance and grades.
They also finally opened up about their situation — and it was more horrifying than anyone could have imagined.
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The triplets' mother died when they were just 3 months old. When they entered sixth grade, their father was incarcerated. They went to live with a grandmother, but since she didn't believe in schooling, they didn't go to school until they were 8 years old.
When their father got out of prison, he moved with the girls. But he would leave them to fend for themselves for weeks at a time. Their stint with him ended after their house was shot up while they were home alone.
The girls moved in with their grandparents, who were terribly neglectful. The triplets spent portions of their lives homeless, without food, clothing, and transportation.
But with the help of their GEAR UP teachers, the triplets overcame the loss of both parents and homelessness. They went on to raise and maintain their GPA above 3.0 while taking advanced courses, participating in activities and working jobs as "unaccompanied minors."
Despite the odds, the Yeckes triplets are doing well today. Watch the amazing moment when the three are pulled aside after receiving their diplomas to get the surprise of their lives.
