November 2011 Newsletter
Student-to-Leader Luncheon
A large group of students, staff, and Firewall friends gathered at the Signature Grand on Thursday, November 10 for our annual Student-to-Leader Luncheon Celebration. The program featured powerful testimonies from students and Principal Frank Zagari of Indian Ridge Middle School. Here are some highlights:
Saraleen, one of our high school seniors, talked about how she came to the program last year on the brink of failing two classes. Through the help of Firewall’s staff and her own dedication, she was able to not only pass the classes, but to raise all of her grades and change her overall outlook on school. Her dream is to become a nurse and after the event, she received some life-changing news. Present at our luncheon was a Pediatric nurse from Memorial Hospital who offered to sponsor Saraleen as a scholarship applicant for Broward College’s nursing program!
Another highlight of the afternoon was hearing from Angelo, who shared his story in our video presentation. Angelo has been with Firewall for seven years! He began the program in the 6th grade and is graduating from Western High School this year. Angelo proudly stated to the crowd how he will be graduating in May with a full four-year college scholarship in large part because of Firewall’s assistance and support throughout his middle and high school years.
Principal Zagari conveyed to the crowd that in his many years as a school administrator, he has never before partnered with a program that is nearly as effective in transforming the lives of at-risk students as is Firewall. He highlighted how our daily communication with the school, parents and teachers serves to promote the academic success of each student. He also emphasized the great need to have a Firewall Center in every neighborhood in Broward County.
Servant Leader Stories
Servant Leader of the Quarter, Maria, is a 9th grader at Western High School and a first-year Firewall student. This quarter, Maria was able to achieve the best grades she has had since elementary school! Here is what she has to say:
“Firewall has helped me with many things, like being more social and doing better in my classes. I have gotten better grades and do all of my homework. I enjoy coming to the center and it changed me into being more involved in school and events. I am not as lazy and have more fun doing my work.”
Brandon, Angelo’s brother, has been with Firewall for six years and is now in the 11th grade. As Servant Leader of the Quarter, Brandon has come a long way. His grades are exceptional and so is his attitude. His words:
“Firewall has helped me to become a better student by always giving me inspiration and never giving up on me. The mentors always sit down with me and help me study. They also make sure I do my homework and check up on my grades and my attendance. They make sure that I am doing well in all areas of my life.”
October 2011 Newsletter
Now They Have A Chance
Firewall Centers is now impacting 20 students in Pompano Beach. Our Center Director there, Finley Walker (pictured on left), has some thoughts he would like to share:
“A mom recently came up to me and said, “I just don’t know what we would do without Firewall!” After visiting Pompano Beach Middle School, my thoughts were along the same lines–”How are any of these kids supposed to make it without the guidance of places like Firewall?”
I don’t say this to boast about our Center or even the work of our staff. The sad truth is that most kids in the public school system simply get lostin the shuffle and fall through the cracks. There is nearly no mentor-ship or accountability for the students. Many have little hope and are left confused and helpless.
The purpose of Firewall is to offer hope and guidance to these students so they know how to live in this confusing world; and ultimately to find true, everlasting purpose in God. We are not just teaching them how to be good students; we are teaching them how to be good young men and young women. We are not just teaching them how to succeed in life; we are teaching them to succeed in life.”
“NOW they have a chance.”
-Finley Walker
Mentor Perspective
We also wanted to share with you the perspective of one of our Davie mentors. Here are Josh’s words on Firewall’s impact on students and on his involvement with the program:
“I really like Firewall. I used to volunteer at the center last year, and it felt pretty good when a student that I helped would tell me that they understood their work after I explained to them how to do it. I am now a mentor at the Davie Center and I think it’s really cool how all the people who help out with Firewall take time out of their lives to just help others.
I think Firewall is amazing in that they take in students that could really use the help, and they pretty much turn their lives around. Firewall helps students stay out of trouble because they are at Firewall doing homework and learning instead of going around the neighborhood causing trouble. What I like most about Firewall is how it helps students stay on track in school, in their walk with God, and it helps them make better decisions in the future.”
-Josh Thomas