This week, Communities in Schools of Atlanta recognized five metro Atlanta students who have turned their lives around.
The students won Student Achievement Awards, a kind of “most improved” trophy for students who have made significant changes for the better in their behavior, attendance or academic performance.
» Explore The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's interactive guide to Georgia schools here
Communities in Schools staff highlighted some of the winners’ achievements:
1. Amber Murphy, a senior at Forest Park High School in Clayton County. Amber had failed multiple classes and on the verge of not graduating when she enrolled in an attendance incentive program, college and career trips and other programs. Last semester, she made the A/B honor roll. When Amber enrolls this fall at Atlanta Metropolitan State College to study business, she'll become the first one in her family to go to college.
2. Deonte Hayden, a junior at Westlake High School in Fulton County. As a freshman, Deonte was absent for more than 35 days, was barely passing his classes and often bullied. A CIS coordinator began meeting with him one-on-one and Deonte went to after-school tutoring and group sessions. Today, he has a clean discipline record, perfect attendance and his own car detailing business. He's on track to graduate next year and plans to study business management at Alabama A&M University or Florida A&M University.
3. Anthoni Capers, a junior at West End Academy in Atlanta. Before coming to West End, Anthoni averaged 15 absences per semester and had been incarcerated. He cut classes and walked the halls most of the day. West End's CIS coordinator encouraged Anthoni to participate in a weekly life skills group and other programs. Today, he leads discussions on gang violence and other topics in West End's morning announcements, participates in service projects and a future business leaders group and has received awards for his school attendance. He goes to Saturday sessions and plans to attend college to become a music artist.
4. B.J. Adams, a fifth grader at Toomer Elementary School in Atlanta, was struggling with her classes and to communicate with teachers and other students. After enrolling in a weekly girls group and extra tutoring, her grades improved to A's and B's. Today, B.J. has been named a student of the month in her classroom and is a member of the school dance team. She wants to travel to Germany, attend Spelman College and become a neurologist.
5. Milsan Castro, a seventh grader at King Middle School in Atlanta, struggled in sixth grade. At school, she just wanted to be invisible. But she got help from school volunteers, tutors and her school's CIS coordinator including tutoring, a life-skills group and lessons on ways to stand up for herself. Today she has been recognized for her impeccable attendance record and has become a school leader, particularly for school-wide Hispanic Heritage celebrations, making morning announcements and planning events. She comes to go to college and earn a degree in "a helping profession."
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