Wednesday, May 23, 2012

An Inspiring Meeting


Earlier this evening, my mother and I made our way to DeJean Middle School where myself along with other participants of the Ivy League Connection Program would be presented to the WCCUSD School Board. I had never been to a school board meeting, so I had no idea what to expect. Once we arrived, I realized just how dedicated and passionate members of our community are about education. There truly was a buzz of activity. Outside the school, people held posters to express their support of the continuation of adult education and Proposition K.

Once inside the building, my mother and I made our way to a group of fellow ILCers. I quickly found the Women and Leadership group and joined them. Don explained to us the best way to situate ourselves and how to hold the flag we would have when introduced to the School Board.  After everyone understood what was going on, we found some empty seats and sat down. We chatted until 6:30 PM when the School Board meeting proptly came to order. 

After reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, seventeen members of the community spoke to the School Board in support of the continuation of adult education. It was inspiring to hear the stories of the beneficiaries of adult education. For many, English was their second language and just the fact that they were able to come up and speak about learning English through the adult education system was remarkable.

After all seventeen people had spoken, it was time for those involved with the Ivy League Connection Program to be introduced. Each chaperone spoke on behalf of their cohort and presented each of us separately to the School Board. Next our sponsors, the people who make it possible for every participant in ILC to succeed, were introduced and thanked by the School Board and the local community.

After every group had been introduced, two graduates of the Ivy League Connection Program spoke. Their speeches were both articulate and inspiring. They reflected upon everything ILC had provided for them and how much they had gained from the program. They were challenged, and because of this they grew immensely. ILC gave them the confidence and knowledge to go out and succeed in the world and they were confident it would do the same for us.

Mr. Ramsey and Mrs. Kronenberg then made some final statements about The Program. They emphasized how much The Program has grown and how it has truly benefited not only those involved, but the entire community. It is one of a kind, and words cannot describe how honored I am to be part of it.

Finally, everyone in the Ivy League Connection Program took a huge group picture. Somehow, Don directed all of us to a location where we would be visible in the picture. After taking about fifty shots, we were done and free to head home. Tonight’s School Board meeting really enabled me to see the significance of the Ivy League Connection Program and how much of a privilege it is to be a part of it. 

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