DICKINSON, Texas — David McConnell, affectionately referred to as Coach Mac by his students, is a towering figure with a booming voice.
As the principal of Dickinson ISD's alternative programs, he also has a big heart when it comes to his students, which consists of teens experiencing struggles at school and at home.
"Mr. Mac has seen me through the worst," Leandra Tristan, a junior, said. "I really appreciate him giving me this big opportunity to better my life."
One of those opportunities is a college fair offered to students in the alternative programs and even teens at the Galveston County Juvenile Detention Center.
"Three years ago, we recognized a lot of our kids don't go to things like this," McConnell said.
McConnell said while most high school students have school support and families to help them make plans after graduation, many of these students aren't offered or afforded the same opportunities.
McConnell and the school's assistant principal, Rasheed See, began organizing and hosting a college fair twice a year.
The fair also features military recruiters and representatives from Workforce Solutions.
McConnell said it's all about helping at-risk youth get back on their feet and envision a future.
"High school is step one," said McConnell. "We are helping you get to step two."