Power 107.5 DJ, City, visited Focus North on October 23 to speak to students. City told the story of his own life, from growing up in Columbus, to becoming a nationally recognized DJ. He was an open book, telling students how he sold drugs in college and made a lot of bad decisions—and in the end saw most of his friends killed or locked up. He told how he turned his life around and became a Science teacher, teaching locally for several years before accepting a job as a radio DJ. City’s message to students was to not get caught up in the streets and to take just a few seconds to think before acting—that is all it takes to keep from making dangerous or bad decisions. He asked that students set a positive example for other young adults by respecting and supporting one another. He also urged every student to get serious about school—reminding them that they chose to come to Focus, so make the most of the opportunity being given.

Students and Staff at Focus East heard the first hand stories of a man and woman who have experienced homelessness. Many people in the room were tearful after hearing their stories. Students took away the important lesson that their education is the one thing no one can take from them.

Michelle, a recovering drug addict and former homeless mother shared that it was getting an education that allowed her to turn her life around. She now has her Associates Degree and tours Columbus speaking to young men and women about life choices.

CJ, a homeless man, stressed the importance of making the right decisions. After being released from prison, CJ was forced to live on the streets because no one would hire him with a felony record. He spoke about his struggle to provide for himself and his family because of the wrong decisions he made in life. He encouraged the students to take school very seriously, because without it, life is very hard.

Allison, the Homeless Advocate for Capitol Crossroads, shared her stories of helping those who are homeless in the Columbus Area. She also shared that statistically, minorities have a much higher risk of being homeless and that many tell her that they wish they took life more seriously and had stayed in school because life would be easier with an education. Allison even offered for the students at Focus East to volunteer at an annual holiday dinner for the homeless in December.

The North school conducted its first Presidential Debate on October 15. The debate’s focus was to inform students about the upcoming presidential election and the two primary candidates running for office. Students arguing for Democrat Barack Obama were Matthew Pitts (team captain), Katrina Clark, Tequisiana Flowe, Raisa Land and Tiara Fields. Republican John McCain was represented by Kenithia Hill (team captain), Dystaney Land, TJ Steed, Dimund Britton and Ashley Smith. It was also a great opportunity to introduce students the methods behind conducting debates and the benefits of being able to effectively debate. It is a way for students to learn problem solving skills, critical thinking, teamwork and the ability to respond quickly with intelligent responses. The judge’s panel consisted of Mr. Hollstein (moderator), Mrs. Harper, Ms. Kramer, Ms. Seemiler and Mr. Morton. They provided questions the students had to answer on behalf of their respective presidential candidate. Both teams did an incredible job and all of their hard work was obvious! At the debate’s conclusion, the student audience voted on which team best represented their candidate. It was a very close call, but the Obama team was better prepared.