Written by By Donald Hense -
Chairman, Friendship Public Charter School
Thursday, 15 July 2010 20:15
Recently, I had the honor of welcoming First Lady Michelle Obama to the graduation commencement at the Academies at Anacostia. Formerly Anacostia Senior High, the school was known for dismal academic performance, violence and absenteeism.
Now change has come to this school through a new partnership between Friendship Public Charter School and D.C. Public Schools. The First Lady’s visit signals that even those in Washington’s highest places have noticed that a page has been turned at this long-troubled high school. Her moving speech showed how clearly she understands the many challenges class of 2010 graduates face and, just as clearly, she believes in them.
Signs of improvement at the school are no longer hard to find. This year, 158 students received their high school diplomas, a graduation rate of 79 percent, substantially up from last year’s official graduation figure of 56 percent.
College degrees, which are essential for access to professional jobs and careers, are now in sight for more students. Last school year only one in five of the high school’s graduates received college acceptance letters. This year 95 percent of the graduating class received college acceptance letters. And this year 16 students earned the prestigious Achievers Scholarships, which will pay their way through college.
At the ceremony, the First Lady gracefully and respectfully spoke directly to the students’ concerns. She reminded students about the importance of choosing friends wisely, recognizing how much they are capable of, and refusing to allow others to write them off. Mrs. Obama also addressed parents and spoke from her own experience about how much her parents helped her to get to college and succeed there as the first in her family to attend college. Family members, teachers and mentors in her life had been essential to her success, she explained.
Watching the students be recognized at this turning point in their lives by the First Lady of the United States—and first African-American First Lady—was wonderful and hugely important. As a Morehouse graduate and, as a student, the chief usher at Martin Luther King Jr.’s funeral, civil rights and educational achievement have always been closely linked in my mind and throughout my work.
I believe that we cannot have strong neighborhoods in Washington without strong schools. The students in our schools are the future of our neighborhoods. My organization runs six charter school campuses in the District. Our charter high school, Friendship Collegiate Academy, has a 94 percent graduation rate and 100 percent of graduates accepted to college. High expectations and hard work helped accomplish that, and like the First Lady, we wholeheartedly believe that Anacostia students are capable of no less.