Photos: Tucson teen graduates from Sunnyside HS after living on his own since age 15
Armando Alvarez, 19, started living on his own at the age of 15 due to conflicts with his family. He received a great deal of help from Youth On Their Own. On May 23rd he will graduate from Sunnyside High School. Alvarez, who is gay, also performs in drag as Janae DeGravano.
Armando Alvarez
Armando Alvarez, 19, talks with Patricia Garcia, the Youth On Their Own liaison for Sunnyside High School, as Alvarez waits to get his photo taken at the high school on May 10, 2018.
Armando Alvarez
Armando Alvarez, 19, lower right, shouts out choreography moves to his clients during a rehearsal at the Quality Inn and Suites hotel at 5251 South Julián Drive on May 02, 2018. Alvarez started his own business called, A+A Party Productions in 2014.
Armando Alvarez
Armando Alvarez, 19, far right, jokes around with Sobeyda Gonzalez, far left, and Laura Meza, 15, during a rehearsal for Meza's quinceaneras at the Quality Inn and Suites hotel at 5251 South Julián Drive on May 02, 2018.
Armando Alvarez
Armando Alvarez, 19, far right, shouts out choreography moves to his clients during a rehearsal at the Quality Inn and Suites hotel at 5251 South Julián Drive on May 02, 2018. Alvarez started his own business called, A+A Party Productions in 2014. He does party planning, decor and choreography for many quinceaneras.
Armando Alvarez
Armando Alvarez, 19, right, chats with Kelly Strickler, a case manager at Sunnyside High School, before he gets his cap and gown photos taken by Youth On Their Own at Sunnyside High School on May 10, 2018.
Armando Alvarez
Armando Alvarez, 19, uses bobby pins to keep his mortar board in place before getting his photo taken by Youth On Their Own at Sunnyside High School on May 10, 2018.
Armando Alvarez
Armando Alvarez, 19, helps Mikael Howell, 19, with his mortar board before they get their photos taken by Youth On Their Own at Sunnyside High School on May 10, 2018.
Armando Alvarez
Armando Alvarez, 19, takes a selfie in his cap and gown as he walks to the next location to get his photo taken by Youth On Their Own at Sunnyside High School on May 10, 2018. Alvarez started living on his own at the age of 15 due to conflicts with his family.
Armando Alvarez
Armando Alvarez, center, receives help with his hair and makeup from Gabby Garcia, left, and Laura Espinoca as he gets ready to perform in drag as Janae DeGravano at a bachelorette party on May 17, 2018.
Armando Alvarez
Armando Alvarez, center, tries on one of his dresses, as his friend, Gabby Garcia, left, watches while he gets ready to perform in drag as Janae DeGravano at a bachelorette party on May 17, 2018.
Armando Alvarez
Armando Alvarez, in drag as Janae Degravano, holds the hand of Auxy Cortez during a performance on May 17, 2018 during Cortez's bachelorette party.
Sunnyside senior is one of hundreds of homeless or formerly homeless Pima County teens who are set to graduate this spring.