[Al Skierkiewicz]

Rob,
I do not believe that. I believe that some students like those at Carl Hayden simply refuse to follow the trend and see that there is a reward for working hard. The others have a hard time deciding that they need to work and fight hard to get what they want. The CNN piece shows that there are students who wish to do better. After nearly twenty years volunteering with youth, I know that there are many students out there that want to do better. I certainly am not qualified to be a teacher nor am I a professional counselor, but I can show them that they can achieve things. I can make them believe that even though students around them will try to lead them astray, they are driving their own destiny. These students can't overcome the laws of physics but they can certainly make them work to their favor. Yes, we are lucky in this school district. We have a school board who sees opportunity when it is presented, we have school administration who encourages students, we have gifted teachers and school personnel who can recognize students who are seeking something more. More importantly, we have students who want more and are willing to work at it. Be one of those and not one of the students who just gets by. You are the driver, drive someplace good.