Students and staff of
Andrew Robinson Elementary recently had the opportunity to hear from guest speaker Deonte Bridges, whose visit was meant to help empower and motivate the third-, fourth- and fifth-grade students to work hard and dream big.
Deonte gained national exposure for his incredible hard work and ability to overcome challenges that threatened to lead him down a path of poverty and lack of a good education. He is an example of a young man who overcame many obstacles. He was robbed at gunpoint; verbally, socially and academically stereotyped; and tempted with drugs. Additionally, his brother died when he was very young and his mother has been battling leukemia.
Despite the challenges of his young adult life, Deonte graduated from Booker T. Washington High School in Atlanta, Georgia first in his class and earned more than $1 million in scholarships. His inspiring words and accounts of his life were told with passion and sincerity to the students, faculty and staff of Andrew Robinson. Deonte inspired students to continue to do their best in school and in their communities.
During the event, the students had opportunities to ask questions, satisfying their curiosity and need for relevant and important information about the challenges of peer pressure, drugs, crime and other distractions they may face now and in the future of their young lives. The students also presented poems, posters and written stories of appreciation to Deonte.
Principal Crystal Lewis spoke to the students about the importance of continuing to strive for academic excellence, as well as the financial aspects of attending college. Students learned that when attending college there is a monetary price on everything from books and meals to housing and classes. This realization opened the students’ eyes to the value of scholarships when considering colleges as they work toward their high school diplomas and quest to obtain a higher education.
Deonte’s visit, organized by third-grade teacher Ms. Feigert, is part of the multidisciplinary direction of NOW (No Opportunity Wasted) for instruction and learning, which complements regular classroom instruction with real world access through dialogue with people in our communities who are successful despite challenges that they face.
Article submitted by Andrew Robinson teacher William Jackson.
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