There is hope. We just need teachers like your friend first and foremost (administration is money and a business-teachers are The Key To Success) and then a working model that is designed to fit all kids where they perform best for them. You realize that-your friend realizes that- now we need to teach more folks to realize that?! 

 Not all kids are college bound material, nor should they be forced into that. Not being a college grad does not mean they are not valued and necessary people. We need them (and federal and school administrations) to realize they have a great future too-even if they are the "square pegs that do not cram into a round hole" - interesting enough-Gifted Talented are in equal need as Special Needs students.  Same suicide risk, same drop out risk. Yet in my district, when all our teachers were polled anonymously, they felt these students needed no help at all in class.