THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, April 19, 1996 TAG: 9604180146
SECTION: VIRGINIA BEACH BEACON PAGE: 04 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY JENNIFER BENNETT, CORRESPONDENT
LENGTH: Medium: 64 lines
About 20 Ocean Lakes High School students graduated Tuesday. Instead of an academic diploma, each obtained a degree in personal improvement.
Once plagued by excessive absenteeism, disciplinary actions and failing grades, members of this group changed their minds about school after participating in the ``5-2-2 Program.''
This new nine-week course for students with five absences, more than two disciplinary referrals and failing grades was designed to change negative attitudes into positive attitudes through group counseling.
In honor of the ceremony, Anderson Gardner, a 72-year-old Adult Learning Center student, delivered a speech on the importance of education and literacy. He spoke from and shared his experiences.
``It's hard to get a job with no education,'' the friendly, gray-haired speaker told the attentive youth.
Without schooling, Gardner worked nonetheless. After his father died, he had to leave school to work. At 11 years of age, Gardner pulled up weeds in a doctor's yard to help support his seven siblings, he said.
He took on other jobs before landing a job at the Swift Packing Co. where he worked for 19 years as a meat cutter. Afterward he worked for Colonial Stores for 12 years before retiring.
It wasn't his occupation that led him back to school, though. It was embarrassment because he couldn't read, he said.
After he told his granddaughter that he couldn't read her a story because he didn't have his glasses, she offered him the book and the spectacles with her next request.
He has since returned to school and is working on his GED. Gardner's brief talk fell right in line with the theme of the event.
``The idea is that you have the power to decide whether to make your life better or worse,'' said Jim Prince, head football coach and program volunteer. ``That's the power of attitude and choice.''
In fact, students learned to better manage their own attitudes in group discussions. During weekly meetings, topics ranging from how to cope with anger and emotions to responsibility and time management were addressed.
``I can control my temper and anger better,'' said Frankie Knox, a junior and Gardner's grandson. ``I can concentrate on things better.'' And since it is easier for him to focus, his grades have improved, he said. Because of what he gained from this experience, he suggested that this be a class called motivational studies.
Counseling does play an intrinsic role in the overall educational process, according to the director of the guidance and counseling department. ``Counseling is not an ancillary part of the instructional program,'' Norma Brumage said. ``It's just as important as reading and writing.''
One 5-2-2 co-facilitator agreed. ``We're fostering emotional growth as well as intellectual growth,'' said Heather Criswell. ILLUSTRATION: Photo by JENNIFER BENNETT
Anderson Gardner, a 72-year-old Adult Learning Center student, hugs
his grandson, Frankie Knox, a junior at Ocean Lakes High, after
giving a speech on the importance of education and literacy.
by CNB