As Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools struggles to close an estimated $100 million budget gap, there's been lots of controversy and debate over how the budget cuts and school closings are affecting low-income students. Sometimes, the adults shout so loudly the voices of the students themselves get drowned out.
Communities in Schools, the drop-out prevention program, is producing a series of videos about students it's helping in local schools. I watched this one, about Phillip O. Berry Academy of Technology student Jarvis Williams. I've never met the young man, but I was inspired by his quiet determination to succeed, despite his family's less-than-ideal financial circumstances. Maybe you will be, too.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Amid CMS' woes, student's hopefulness shines
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9 comments:
If only there were more kids like Jarvis. Keep up the hard work, young man!
Thanks for posting. What a great kid with a bright future. It's inspiring, the lengths some kids will go in order to get a good education. There are many more like Jarvis, and we don't hear their stories often enough.
I'm thankful Philip O Berry still has at least consolidated bus stops. There are bright kids and caring families who make tremendous sacrifices to get a good education, but with too many roadblocks we'll make it impossible.
haha this is so cool! I am in the Order of the Arrow in Boy Scoputs with Jarvis and he is just a great guy and every time I think about him it just makes me smile and think that if he can do what he is doing with what he has then I can also! I am so glad and thank God that I am able to have Jarvis as a friend because it is not very often that you have can find friends like him that are just a great person and also someone that is a great influence on me as a Christian!!! Good luck Jarvis on your EAGLE!!!!!!!!
Here's a hint NAACP. You want to run a program that will REALLY help these boys, start a Boy Scout troop. I used to work with Henry(Penny) Wallace. Our boy scout troop used to camp below his at summer camp. You can not ask for a finer man to give you guidance and help make a successful program for black boys.
All the footprints on the moon are from Eagle Scouts.
So why aren't there more like him?
Why is he so "different" as the video keeps saying?
Seems like the NAACP should be taking notes.
I had the opportunity to meet some students from Phillip O. Berry Academy a few years ago at a national magnet school conference fair held at the Charlotte Convention Center. Students from Phillip O. Berry were in charge of setting up all the technology and equipment needed for keynote speakers from around the country in addition to performing other duties. I was impressed with the students I met who represented this specialized magnet school.
I had the pleasure of meeting Jarvis this past weekend on a scouting activity. What a great person, because of transportation isssues, he rode up with me and my son. He jumped right in and help us with our activity and didn't complain about anything. We need more people like Jarvis to help others succed and overcome obsticles. I look forward to more scout outtings with Jarvis.
Mr. Woodford
BSA Troop 35 ASM WoodBadge SR 1015
I was Jarvis's Senior Patrol Leader at the 2010 National Boy Scout Jamboree, and he was an absolute joy to work with. He was one of my four patrol leaders, and always did his best to ensure that his patrol members did their work, finished their chores, and - most of all - had fun. He was unfailingly polite, never giving orders or making demands; it seemed like every other word he said was 'please.' He is such a great guy, and I look forward to hearing many more great things he will do.
I have been knowing Jarvis for over 4 years now and I would honestly say that he get's it. There are alot more Jarvis's in the Pueblo Ditrict where Jarvis resides and they are clicking on his heels as far as making Eagle and achieving just like him. He's been a joy to work with and just like him I was the first Youth African American Chapter Chief (Achewon Chapter- Owasippe Lodge #7) on the OA up in Chicago back in 90-91 in a perdominantly caucasian District. But like Jarvis with his spirit and his humbleness his transcends all boundaries. Keep it up Jarvis you haven't stopped surprising me or anyone on the Council level yet!!!
Also to anyone please pick up "Why Scouting works for Black Boys"- Justin Lewter whom actually works for the Council.
Michael P. Gleaves
Troop 62, ASM
District Chair Pueblo District
Woodbadge SR-933
Eagle Scout Class of 1991
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