The Technology Native Crosses the Stage

Photos courtesy of Duane Hall who joined us that evening. Jessie graduated from the Middle College High School at GTCC on May 21. She graduated with honors and 24 other seniors from a very special program. All the students that started the program in her class completed it. 100%. The program is for at-risk kids. They are all going on to school after graduation (all- 100%) and between them have garnered well over $300,000 in scholarships. I didn't know much about the program when I enrolled her in the middle of her sophomore year. I did know that the school she was in had a high drop-out rate, a very low percentage of students going on to college, and the attitude that if she wasn't disruptive, she didn't need help. She has some learning differences, but she's bright and she lays low in class. Nobody cared (except for a new, young, enthusiastic guidance counselor who could not get the teachers to rally behind her). At GTCC, they cared. The theory was that having small classes in the atmosphere of a college campus would inspire students to achieve more. This was an experiment by the Guilford County Schools. The teachers were hand-picked. I was working in Greensboro when I moved her and paid out of county tuition--a modest expense for the tremendous results they achieved. It is just a blessing they had an opening for her at that time. She is going on to Guilford College with nearly half her tuition covered in scholarships and her first year of college credits behind her.

I didn't expect to cry so much. Of course, there was lots of hub bub beforehand while gowns were donned and pictures taken. Then the solemn procession in to Pomp and Circumstance. The heavily gowned officials on the stage and valedectorian all made the required speeches, "Wah wa wah wa wah . . . you are the future . . .wah wa wah . . . you will never forget your friends here . . . wah wa wah . . . follow your dreams . . ." Pretty standard stuff, but I cried anyway. We were cautioned early on to be respectful and not catcall or cheer, but as each name was read, the response got louder. For many families, this was a real first. The valedictorian went through school as a single mom. Each young person had their story and their families were there as witness to their success.

Afterwards, we (miraculously) all found each other in the lobby. There were hugs and more pictures and a few more tears. And cake and ice cream back at the house. And a return to ALMOST normal.