Forest Park - "Dances With The Stars"

On Thursday, December 18th, seven students were recognized as graduates of Forest Park Academy at the Hotel Roanoke. Among them was Charneice Davis, 18, who just passed the Algebra SOL test and will graduate as the first semester ends in January. This was only a few weeks after her older brother, Chaz, passed the same test to become the first Forest Park Academy graduate. Chaz gave Charneice the inspiration to give it a shot too. Chaz and Charneice were forced to drop out of school to find work after their mother died 10 years ago. Charneice was sure she could not pass the Algebra SOL with only a week’s preparation. Staff worked with Charneice late into the evenings and now she is on track to complete all requirements for graduation in January.

.
Lissy Merenda instructed the students in social and workplace skills. The students are now "well rounded individuals," said Merenda. Donna Dilley’s dance class paid off as the students demonstrated the merengue on the hotel dance floor.

Student, Terrance Meade, 17, will graduate in June and plans to go to University of North Carolina to become a computer engineer. His lofty goal is to invent his very own computer that he will name (with a little humility) the "Meade Computer" - just like "Apple Computer," said Meade.

Asha Wright, 17, will also graduate in June and plans to first go to Virginia Western Community College then transfer to King College in Tennessee. She get’s excellent grades but would have been a few credits short of graduating in June if it were not for the accelerated course work at the Academy. Asha, "just loves babies," and plans to be a neonatal nurse.

Walmart Marketing Manager, Mark Young, and Aaron Robins, Manager of the 220 Walmart Store, presented Principal Eric Anderson, School Administrator Rita Bishop, and School Board Chairman David Carson with a check for $25,000. Young said that this check is to, "make it [Academy] even bigger and better." Bishop said to the students, "this [Walmart] is your community believing in you … an investment in you."

School Board member, Todd Putney, said that "people that don’t interact with these students don’t know how great these kids are … they just don’t get it." People have a tendency to "stay at arms-length" but these students have a story behind their faces as well as a high level of motivation. Putney explained that one missed opportunity for these children to become productive citizens not only effects the rest of their lives but impacts the community as a whole.

"Poison Ivy" at Forest Park Academy

"At night when you're sleeping poison ivy comes a creeping around." No, there were no students twitchin’ and itchin’ in Forest Park Academy’s gym Friday but 14 students danced to tunes like the song "Poison Ivy" originally recorded by The Coasters in 1959.

The Forest Park Academy gym is where Donna Dilley teaches what started out as a "ballroom dance" class but evolved into other dances like the cha-cha and some good ol‘ rock and role moves. In addition to dance classes, Dilley conducts etiquette training programs for young people through the National League of Junior Cotillions. These programs help High School students build self-esteem, confidence and character.

"Dr. Bishop wanted to build social capital in all activities," said Principal Eric Anderson. Anderson admitted that his own experience failing the traditional waltz test at a wedding sold him on the need for the dance class.

The same students have taken the classes since they started in November. Eighteen students or nine couples in total. "If they do their work all week then they can go to dance class," said Anderson.

The excitement during the 2:00 to 3:30 PM Friday afternoon dance class was proof of their motivation to "do the work." The students’ next challenge could even be a "Dance with the Stars" competition.

This Friday was the Academy’s "highest attendance day ever," said Principal Anderson. He admitted that the first year of Forest Park Academy has been a challenge. Not all students have stuck it out but as Anderson said to students on orientation day, "staff is not babysitters … if you don’t want to be here then this is not the school for you."

Anderson said staff is "learning [the program] as they go." The Outreach Department goes to students’ homes while the Fulfillment Department holds student planning sessions where all career paths are open to them.

Huckabee at Books-A-Million - Video

Thursday evening after two other city stops former Arkansas Governor, Mike Huckabee arrived to a cheering crowd and LONG line. The people waiting in line had multiple copies of Huckabee's book, "Do The Right Thing." He started the day in Charleston, West Virginia, followed by Lynchburg at about 1:00 PM then to Roanoke arriving at 8:00 PM. I went with Mac McCadden a fan of Huckabee's. There was Sheriff Octavia Johnson who got a special treat and good picture with the Huckster. See the Line. Here comments. One comment is sortof strange and funny.