Congratulations Class of 2008 Graduates!
24 students participated in commencement ceremony
Congratulations to the Class of 2008! A commencement ceremony was held on May 29, at Will Rogers United Methodist Church for the 24 graduates. Street School is honored to present the class of 2008: Nicholas Bernston, Sean Brown, LaQuita Byas, Jacob Farrow, Anthony Gougler, Jacquelyn Hamilton, Michael Hamlin, Alana Hunt, Amy Long, Meliza Meza, Isaac Miles, Brian Newham, Danielle Pestel, Maretta Pfister, Micheal Pigeon, Gerren Reed, Jillian Smittle, Amanda Sowell, James Tidwell, Jillian Wallace, Ronelle Ward, James Weber, Andrew Wells, and Dacsha Wynn.
Life after Street School will include many varied opportunities for our graduates. The majority of the graduating seniors will begin college in the fall. Most of the seniors completed their college entrance exams and were enrolled in Tulsa Community College by the end of April. Others have been accepted into Tulsa Technology Center for the 2008-2009 school year, and a few of the students have already lined up full-time employment.
This past school year, a total of 127 students participated in our dropout prevention, intervention, and recovery program. Each six-week session, we reach full enrollment quickly with students who have chosen to attend Street School. There are also approximately 20 students who are on our waiting list with an additional 20 teens being referred to other alternative programs. Our one of a kind program is in great demand as youth understand the benefits of our program, but keeping classrooms small with 13 students in each class and our student body at 90 students is critical to our success.
Commencement speeches were given by graduating seniors, LaQuita Byas, Amy Long, and Micheal Pigeon. The graduation ceremony took place at 6:30 p.m. followed by a catered reception. Street School thanks the Tulsa Community Band for donating their services, and the Will Rogers United Methodist church for hosting the graduation ceremonies. Good luck to our graduates!
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Street School alum supports alma mater at CITGO
It’s after dark and Johnathan Marlow needs milk for his family’s breakfast, and to fill up before tomorrow’s commute. Good thing he has his handy CITGO cash card complements of Street School of Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Currently, financial contributors to the nationally recognized dropout prevention program can receive a generous gift complements of CITGO Petroleum simply by mentioning this promotion. For every $25 donation, a donor will receive a $10 CITGO gasoline gift card. If a donor gives $50, they will receive $20 in gasoline, and the increments continue as the gift increases.
“I had been looking for an opportunity to pay back to the institution that made such a difference in my life. The CITGO cash cards just make it that much easier to give even more.” Marlow now makes regular stops at his neighborhood CITGO in San Angelo, Texas. “Using the cash cards has made going to CITGO a regular habit. I now stop there whenever I need something quick; even if I already used my cash cards. I’m so grateful to CITGO for supporting Street School. They get all my business.”
Marlow, Street School class of 81` and 82` states, “I attribute all my academic success to Street School. I was a two-time dropout with no place to go. Street School made a place for me to learn and prepare for a future I wasn’t sure would ever come.”
Marlow is one of thousands of former Street School students who have gone on to enjoy success in life, following intense problems during the teen years. “Had Street School not been there I don’t know where I’d be today. They prepared me for the GED which made attending Tulsa Junior College possible.”
“Sure, I had lots of teachers in college that had an impact. But, had I not attended Street School, college would not have been an option.”
“What I got from Street School is immeasurable. I can never fully repay those who gave me the tools that made college possible. The least I can do is send a contribution each month to insure that others can benefit the way I did.”
Dr. Marlow, a professor of communication at Howard Payne University in Brownwood, Texas, recently completed his dissertation and received his PH.D. in education.
Marlow’s monthly contribution to Street School goes out automatically through his credit card. Marlow said, “I don’t know the money is even gone. All I know is within a week I get new cash cards. How fun is that?”
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From left to right are: Kim Shannon, Sutton Avian Research Center;
Leah Paquette; Carrie Wilson, F&M Bank & Trust Company.
Leah Paquette Wins Sutton Scholarship
Leah Paquette won a $250 scholarship for her entry in the Second Annual Sutton Awards. Financial awards were given to talented high school students who demonstrated the ability to communicate a current conservation topic, such as water, air or soil quality or wildlife conservation, in an artistic, dramatic or compelling way. The Sutton Awards consisted of $14,000 in U.S. Saving Bonds awarded to students as scholarships.
Leah, a Street School senior, entered her work which was made from a mannequin’s head. Leah chose this because, “I think conservation should be on everybody’s mind because it affects everyone.” Leah plans to attend OSU Stillwater and begin her studies in zoology after graduating from Street School.
The Sutton Avian Research Center is a nationally-renowned, non-profit organization, affiliated with the Oklahoma Biological Survey and College of Arts and Sciences, University of Oklahoma, whose mission it is to find cooperative conservation solutions for birds and the natural world. The F&M Bank & Trust Company of Tulsa served as the presenting sponsor for the student scholarships.
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Lucas Holmes Wins Key Club Scholarship
Lucas Holmes, Street School class of ’06 graduate, received a $500 college scholarship from the Kiwanis Club of Tulsa. Students seeking scholarships completed an application and an interview, and were judged based on leadership ability, participation in school and community activities, Key Club work, need for financial support and evidence of ability to succeed in college. Holmes was presented the award at the Kiwanis Club of Tulsa’s Key Club Scholarship Luncheon held on April 24th. He was one of 30 Key Club students in Tulsa to receive a scholarship.
Holmes plans to spend his summer working with heavy machinery at Prescor before entering college this fall. He has enrolled at Tulsa Community College where he plans to use his scholarship and begin studying for his degree in business. His goal is to continue his education at Northeastern State University in Tahlequah and then begin a landscaping and irrigation business.
Sheila Jones, English teacher, and Pat Moran, counselor, are sponsors for Street School’s Key Club. Key Club’s purpose is the give back to the community. Key Club members volunteer monthly for Emergency Infant Services and the Tulsa Food Bank by sorting and packing food and clothing items for these agencies whose mission is to assist people in need in the Tulsa area. The Key Club also operates a student store in order to raise money for the annual Street School student prom, and has adopted Admiral City Park.
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Student's personal stories illustrate the school’s
success
Carrie
“Carrie” came to Street School at the age of 15,
after living on the streets for a year. She was this tiny,
scared young girl who had lived a frightening life. Her parents
had abandoned her and she was scared to come to school. Carrie
told us this, “My friend said I should come here. I think
I want to be in school, but I haven’t gone anywhere in
a long time. I hate school.” Carrie needed a place to
live and the staff found a home for her. Although it took her
a long time, she began to feel more secure and told the staff, “For
the first time I feel like I have a family, like I belong somewhere.
I think I can make something of myself.” Carrie gained
enough confidence to interview with Tulsa Technology Center,
and was subsequently enrolled in the medical technology program.
She is now working in the medical field and plans to continue
her education. Carrie said this, “I am forever thankful
to Street School for giving me the support, love, and encouragement
I needed.”
Dan
“Dan’s” mother enrolled him in Street School
when he was 15 years of age. Soon after enrollment, his mother
moved out of the home, leaving Dan by himself. Dan continued
to attend school as it seemed to be his life-line. He reported
this, “Without the help I got from the people at Street
School, I would have felt lost.” Dan hung in and graduated
from the program. After graduation he enlisted in the Armed
Services and participated in Desert Storm. He sent a postcard
from the Middle East to Street School to let everyone know
how he was doing. When Dan was able to come home on leave,
he made Street School his very first stop. He proudly wore
his uniform and said, “I am proud to serve my country
and I am proud to be a Street School graduate.”
Allison
“I was a mess when I came to Street School. I was strung
out every day, doing whatever I needed to get drugs. I felt
that nobody cared about me. I didn’t have anybody in
my corner. I never thought I’d be where I am today – in
college, married and having a good life, a normal life – one
I never had before. I hate to think what would have happened
to me if it hadn’t been for Street School and the people
there who looked out for me. Street School turned my life around.”
Brian
“When I went to Street School I realized
that I had self worth and was worth something. Educationally,
I learned quite a bit. I learned about myself and the type
of person I need to be. They taught me by example. I learned
more at Street School than any other place in my life.”
Tyler
"What I like most about Street School is that there is a lot of help if needed. It is also a quick way to earn credits toward graduation. I came to Street School because I wasn’t doing well in other High Schools. I just wasn’t trying. I had F’s in all of my seven classes. I knew I could do the work but I just wasn’t motivated. But now I’m different. Thanks to Street School, I have been more motivated in my school work and I have opened up more to people. When I first got to Street School, people thought I was weird because I didn’t talk to anyone. Now I am different in the way I talk to people and in the way I work. After I graduate I plan on taking some TCC classes and go to a University from there. I recommend Street School to other kids because if they think their graduation is hopeless, come to Street School. It has probably been the best decision I have ever made."
Steven
"What I like most about Street School is the one on one help you get from the teachers, the smaller classes and more working time you get in each class. I came to Street School because I was thinking about dropping out of school. I did not want to go to school anymore so I thought I would give it a try. Now my grades are passing I really like going to school now. I plan to graduate from here, I plan to go to college and move out on my own. I would recommend this school to anybody that is having problems in school and wants to get more help and people will not judge you for who you are."
Heather
"Street School has done a lot for me. I get the one on one help I’ve been needing. There are smaller classes and fewer students so I can concentrate. We have our own counselors instead of a whole grade sharing one. And we do a lot of hands on things that are fun.
I came to Street School because I skipped almost everyday, and missed too much and failed 9th grade. I never did my work I just wanted to have fun.
Street School has helped me from getting D’s and F’s to A’s and B’s. It has changed me from not doing any work to doing pretty good and learning a lot. I’ve learned more here than my middle school and high school years.
When I graduate from here, I want to go to OSU in Stillwater for College. I want to go for a psychology degree and get my doctorate. I recommend Street School to other teens because they can get the one on one help they need, and it’s actually fun. And they get us ready for college. Thank you for supporting my school. It’s done a lot for me and other people. I appreciate it. "
Laura
"I like Street School because it has a fun, safe and friendly atmosphere. The work is easy to understand and if you need help the teachers are always there. The counselors are like your best friends and help you to understand the work it takes to graduate. They also help you to set goals and accomplish them.
I came to Street School because I need help with school work and I needed to feel safe. At my old school I was in fear on a daily basis which is why I missed so much school. I didn’t understand the work they gave me and since there were so many kids I never got the help I needed.
Street School has helped me to get the credits I need to graduate and the self confidence to continue with my goals no matter how big. It has changed my life from bad to good. I don’t run away or cut myself anymore. I now believe that I can do what I set my mind to.
After Street School I plan to go to college at TCC where I will study the basics then transfer to a university where I will study in science or photography. Soon after, I will work as a lab technician working on diagnosis and treatment for disease or illness or as a photographer wherever needed.
I recommend Street School to other teens because I believe that they can make it if they have others believing in them and they believe in themselves. Street School will show them that there is an alternative to dropping out. That they can make it if they set their mind to it and have the drive it takes to succeed.
Your support means a lot to all of us at Street School. If we can get the help we need then we can make sure that other teens have a chance at life and at success. Thank you for your support."
Kiva
"The reason I chose to come to Street School was because I had a bad addiction to powdered substances. I hated a lot of the people at my old school, and I had major issues with the way the teachers tried to handle the large classes. I really enjoy Street School, because there is a lot more one on one with the teachers and they take the time to get to know who you are. There is a lot less people, and they all treat you like family.
After being here, I have realized what a lot of my problems are and who I really am. The students and faculty here have helped me stay away from my powder addictions and my friends all support my choices. I can now think a lot more clearly on issues and have no problem with being slightly nervous or forget what I was discussing when talking to a large group.
Once I graduate I plan on going to college to study diseases and train to be a massage therapist, along with some other side jobs. Before I came here, I only wanted to do some jobs that most would call crazy.
I recommend this school to almost anyone that has problems with public schools, because this is more of a learning environment and the outdoors is our classroom. Everyone tries to get to know you rather than just seeing you as another body occupying a seat. It’s a good school for people that have issues with staying in school due to drugs, because it helps you realize how much easier it is to function in life without them.
Thank you for taking the time to read my opinion as your support is needed to help me and others that have similar problems to stay in school and succeed in life rather than being a screwed up drop-out going no where."
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