The reactions and reflections of a night to remember ...
follows is the email I sent to my staff. It was entitled: Words can not describe ...
... the gratitude I feel. Your presence at last night’s event has made an unmistakable impression on the lives of the scholars on stage as well as those in the audience. The 9th graders got it. They wrote about how they need to work harder to be the type of student that deserves a sponsor. They all want to be the scholar that sponsors are fighting over. The whispers of the Seniors as they listened to their introductions were priceless. They were surprised and delighted by their Oscars. Every year the event gets bigger and better because of all of you. It is a lot to ask - $20 AND your time. Yet you did it so willingly…with so much grace. These young people will probably not remember your lessons on the Judicial Branch, the parts of a cell, solving inequalities, el imperfecto, or the themes of Romeo and Juliet … but they will always remember the words you said, the words you wrote, and the powerful relationships you have formed. The heart of New Town High School is healthy and strong because all of you exercise it daily.
The AVID Site Team was a broken unit a few years ago. Today it is a thriving group of dedicated professionals who make my job an immense joy and honor. I simply can’t thank you all enough. Today, AVID 9 Scholar, Asha Stewart, wrote: “I hope to keep seeing the AVID torches glowing like a lighthouse beacon” .. because of all of you, our AVID torch could illuminate the world!
I leave you with some more of the reflections the scholars wrote today:
“it shows me what I’m working towards” – Kristen Puckett AVID 9
“I made a pledge during the ceremony to stay in AVID all 4 years and be one that makes my teachers proud” – Shannon Shelton AVID 9
“I wanted to be one of them … I look up to the seniors” – Sharmara Kennedy AVID 9
“I know now that all the work will be getting me somewhere in life.” – Kelsi Riley AVID 9
“I really liked how a certain quality was given to each student. Like Strong, Transformed, Benevolent….that was a really smart thing to do and I just hope that when its our turn they can find enough people to compare us to” – Stephaun Hart AVID 9
“Last night I attended the most emotional and influential ceremony I’ve ever attended.” – Dante Lawson AVID 9
“When Shavonda told her story it made me realize how grateful I am to have a family who loves me.” – Jessica Abumere AVID 9
“I was moved by the powerful stories – they really inspired me to work a little harder and give a little more in everything I do.” – Jonathan Haire AVID 9
“Last night brought me to a realization that I need to start stepping up to the plate because the end of my high school journey is near.” – Annie Marie Baah AVID 11
“Next year, if there is another Oscar give away, I want an Oscar for dedication and determination.” – Alondra Johnson AVID 11
“I realized I was that person waiting for my pot of gold to come to me instead of me chasing it.” – Briani Ray AVID 11
“It made me want to sharpen my saw” – Darra Shelton AVID 9
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