Former Positive Tomorrows student prepares for College

The first time Edwin Perry attended Positive Tomorrows, he was in the first grade and his family was staying at the City Rescue Mission.  Edwin was only at school for one month when his family was able to move into an apartment, and he was transitioned to Capitol Hill Elementary.

 In 2008, Edwin was about to enter the 6^th grade and his parents were very concerned about his emotional, social, and academic skills. Lisa Perry, Edwin’s mother, knew that Edwin “couldn’t handle a regular classroom” due to the number of students and the lack of individual attention. Lisa and her husband decided to call Positive Tomorrows, hoping that they might enroll Edwin for the 2008-2009 school year.

 One of the criteria for enrollment at Positive Tomorrows is that a student is struggling  academically and/or socially as an outcome of homelessness, and staff determined that Edwin’s situation was directly related to that issue. At Positive Tomorrows, Edwin received much needed individual attention with reading and math, but also benefitted from counseling and diagnosis of medical issues that had previously gone untreated.

At the end of the school year, Edwin was transitioned to Roosevelt Middle School entering on grade level as a 7^th grader.  Halfway through the school year, Edwin’s teachers believed his maturity, effort and skills indicated he was ready for the 8th grade. At the end of that school year, Edwin’s teachers agreed he would be an excellent candidate for Oklahoma’s Promise, a scholarship that awards students, upon high school graduation, college tuition for up to 5 years.  For students to qualify, they must exemplify leadership qualities in both academics and behavior and attend school regularly.  The teachers submitted his application and he was awarded the scholarship! 

 Edwin is considering the culinary arts as a career, or perhaps studying video game design. Edwin said his time at Positive Tomorrows helped prepare him for public school. “Being in a small classroom, receiving individual help, and making friends easier helped me focus and gain confidence,” he said.

 Lisa Perry said sometimes “kids get lost” and that the commitment   Positive Tomorrows has to helping the whole child, both emotionally and academically, helped Edwin realize his own potential. School is still not easy for Edwin, but he understands that he is capable of success and has the ability to overcome obstacles.

 “We’re so proud of Edwin and his success,” said Positive Tomorrows President Susan Agel.  “We’re also very grateful to our donors and friends who make successes like this possible.”

1. 

   Sarah says:

   January 24, 2011 at 7:59 pm

   Truly inspirational and amazing. This is something to really be proud of! Congratulations!