On Wednesday, January 14, Focus North hosted its first annual Community Luncheon, inviting community leaders to learn firsthand the great things that are happening at the school. The lunch was the perfect opportunity for Focus staff and student to build new ties to the community and create awareness of the program. The guest included Don B. Heard, Executive Director of Juvenile Justice Program, Gail Brown, Director of the Boys & Girls Club and several Franklin County Juvenile Probation Officers.
Several of the student council members spoke at the luncheon and the guests received a tour of the school. It was a great opportunity to showcase the school’s hardworking students and their efforts. Focus North plans to make this an annual event so they can continue to encourage community involvement and show off their students’ accomplishments.
Project Nurture is a new initiative of Focus Learning Academy to help our students who are young parents or pregnant teens. The commitment to help these students is the result of interacting first hand with them on a daily basis. They are attending our schools with the passion and desire to better themselves and create a better life for their children. They work hard balance the new responsibilities of parenthood, financial freedom and the importance of getting an education. It’s because of this spirit we want give them every opportunity in our power to succeed.
Everyday, many of our students face the difficulty of getting even the most basic necessities for their children like diapers, baby shampoo and clothing. The goal of Project Nurture is to obtain these types of items for our students in need.
If you are a student that needs the help of Project Nurture, want to donate new and unused baby items or know someone who might, contact Mr. Godfrey or email info@projectnurture.com.
Visit the Project Nurture Website
On January 30, Focus Learning Academy held its annual Winter Graduation Ceremony at the Lighthouse Ministries on South High Street in Columbus. Eighteen graduates were celebrated at the event with an audience of several hundred friends, family and staff. The ceremony included graduate speakers Ashley Ballard, Jarmel Reynolds and Megan Grego, who all reflected on their time at Focus and offered some advice to their peers. A special commencement address was given from Ohio State Representative Tracy Maxwell Heard, who urged the graduates to not let fear get in the way of reaching for their dreams. Kathy Williams then announced the Gold Star Award to the graduate who exemplified “rising above the madness.” Timothy Pata was the worthy recipient. After the ceremony closed with the graduates turning their tassels, cake and refreshments in the hallway provided time for congratulations, goodbyes and good lucks.
Congratulations to the Graduating Class of 2009!
East
Robert Dawayne Blakely
Terrance Jumaane Ellis
Megan Jean Grego
George Jessup
Shayli Nicole Mayer
Feihua Zeng
North
Sharonda Monique Rogers
Keith LeMarc Smith, Jr.
Southwest
Ashley Marie Ballard
Jonathan Lawrence Dawson
Alona Ann Handy
Christian Maria Hummel
Yasmin Abdi Jama
Timothy Richard Pata
Jarmel L. Reynolds
Jalisa Marie Smith
Amber Nichole Spatt
Ashley Olivia Walker
All three Focus locations were excited to watch history in the making on January 17, as our first African American President was inaugurated into office. Focus Learning Academy East celebrated by watching the inauguration in the new Multi-Purpose Room. Students were able to watch the historical moment on the big screen and enjoy snacks and drinks, which included cupcakes made by Mrs. Lavelle. Ms. Penn and Mrs. Lavelle even decorated for the event, turning the room into a patriotic red, white and blue viewing area. Focus Southwest students received their lunches early so they could watch the inauguration on television. During the week prior, Mr. Wiseman and Mr. Coffey taught students about the inauguration process.
Two Focus staff members had the chance to experience the inauguration in person. Mr. Holliman, East Director and Mr. Watson, East Director of Student Affairs, witnessed the event, along with millions of others, from the National Mall west of the U.S. Capitol. Mr. Holliman woke up at 4 am to catch the Metro and stood outside for 9 hours in the 30-degree weather! He says, “I was amazed at how everyone was so happy and excited and weren’t complaining at all! It was definitely an experience that I will cherish for the rest of my life. I am so glad to be able to tell my son I witnessed history with my own eyes.” Mr. Watson watched the inauguration sitting on top of a port-a-potty to get a better view! The night before he had the honor of attending the South Carolina State Society’s Inaugural Ball at the Smithsonian Museum. He said, “I was about to leave and come back to Columbus Tuesday morning, but I could not pass up the opportunity to stay and witness history.”
