Student and Employee Testimonials
Krysteena Williams, Student at Kobets High School
The oldest of three children of a hard-working single mother,Krysteena Williamsgrew up in housing projects “doing things I shouldn’t have been doing.” She was failing school. She was fighting. And she had been the near-victim of a shooting. When her school said it was time to go, it seemed her situation was moving from bad to worse. Krysteena’s mother chose to send her to DeLaSalle and it was exactly the boost she needed. Now, when Krysteena needs extra help from a teacher, she has it. When she needs to talk to someone about her problems. she can count on one of DeLaSalle’s counselors or administrators being available. “They’re willing to listen and give advice,” she says. Krysteena is part of Ladies’ First, a girls’ program that strengthens her social skills, self-control and self-esteem. “It’s teaching me how to be a successful woman,” she enthuses. Krysteena believes that without DeLaSalle she would have dropped out as soon as she turned sixteen. Because of DeLaSalle, she says, “I have the opportunity to be whatever I want to be.”
Nick Reed, Former Student at Kobets High School
Nick Reed’s arrival in Kansas City was not easy. He lived with his mother in a shelter for women and children fleeing domestic violence; he was lonely and performing poorly at school. He responded to his trying circumstances with anger and frustration and was eventually expelled from school and removed from his mother’s new home. When Nick arrived at DeLaSalle, he was worried about a repeat of earlier experiences, but it took only a short time to completely change his attitude. Because DeLaSalle allows students to work at their own pace, Nick made great strides academically. That success, along with his involvement in DeLaSalle’s robotics club and Student Press Program, taught him that he was capable of producing high-quality work. If you talk to Nick today, he’ll tell you, “DeLaSalle gave me a second chance. I’ve taken that chance and I’m running with it. They’ve taught me to ask more of myself and dream bigger than I had before. I’m mentally tougher and have a new outlook. DeLaSalle really is the door of opportunity.”
Fred Russell, Student Class of 2009 and Congressman Cleaver Intern Summer 2006
This year I was chosen to work at Emanuel Cleaver's office. On the first day I started I was kind of nervous because I have never done anything like this before. But after a week or so I got to know some of the staff because I didn't know how to tie my tie. The other interns were as nice as the staff so I became comfortable with the environment.
I learned to do a number of things I usually don't do everyday. I learned how to answer phones and how to talk to a constituent in a proper manner. I also made phone calls to constituents and community organizers to talk about upcoming events, which helped me to build on my communicating and interacting skills. I filed papers and faxed news clips to D.C. almost everyday. I also learned more about how to use a copier and fax machine. The interns and staff had meetings concerning each others projects. The interns also helped other staff with important projects that needed to be done.
I attended meetings here at the office with Cleaver. I also wrote and sent correspondence to the constituents of the 5th congressional district. I attended meetings with the Congressman and staff on the congressman's behalf. Meetings such as a gang and violence meeting held at the Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center regarding two college students that were killed in a shooting on July 23, 2006 (Nathan Buie and DeMarco Harvey). I also attended two parades with the congressman one in Sugar Creek and another in Belton. I attended one coffee with the congressman where he sits and has coffee with constituents and talk about issues regarding federal matters. I also helped plan a Youth Summit held on Wednesday August 9, 2006. The Youth Summit will let young adults 18-25 listen and express there feelings on topics we think are going on in our community.
I'm glad I got the opportunity to be around a lot of important people and represent my school. I respected everyone at the office. If I got a chance to do it again I would be happy to do it. I will share my experience with my friends, family, and teachers once I'm back in school. This was a great learning experience for me. Thanks to my teachers at DeLaSalle and everyone else who helped me succeed this far. I feel like I'm on top of the world now. I believe I can do anything I work hard at and set my mind to. My Favorite Quote: "If opportunity is in front of you grab it."
Gayle Lee, Education Administrator
There is a spirit that exists here. Even on the bleakest days there are several people or incidents that make you excited to be a part of this place. It can be something as small as an award that was given by the students, unsolicited, to Marc Wilson for letting his students know they “can make it.†Or it can be as big as a graduating class that on the whole was very challenging, but they stepped across the stage proud with a sense of accomplishment. It is helping young people to see how they can test their limits. It is the students' survival against many odds that inspires me to keep getting up in the morning to see they get through another day.
Catarina Flores, Student Class of 2008
DeLaSalle Education Center has taught me math. My math teacher showed me how to do math problems even when that was the thing that I hated the most! I stuck with math. DeLaSalle has also taught me a lot more than math, too, and I thank them for this.
Charlene Jenison, PACES Instructor
At DeLaSalle I know I am really making a difference in our students lives!
Derell Rolf, Graduate Class of 2005
DeLaSalle is a good school where you can get more one-on-one help from your teachers.
Carrie Beasley, Graduate Class of 2005
I know when you hear the name DeLaSalle you'll say that's for bad children. Well I'm a senior at DeLaSalle and I used to think the same thing until I came here. I was used to fighting and getting out of school for ten days…not at DeLaSalle Education Center. If you fight, you are getting kicked out. If you have a disagreement with a person you're going to the after school program named Recovery. If you have a problem, there are many people you talk to about what ever it is. DeLaSalle Education Center is a place where you learn and go at your own pace. There are lots of opportunities. They have internships, independent study, After School programs, Art Club, Alvin Ailey, Talent Shows, Prom Committee, Year Book. DeLaSalle offers classes that you need to help you; the Student Press and Culinary Arts. So when you say DeLaSalle, stop and think about how many students DeLaSalle Education Center has helped.
Jan Werner, Director of Academics
Students are our focus at DeLaSalle. That is the main reason why I teach here. I know that what I do matters; every minute of every day is important to my students. Today is the day that counts for them. That's why I have high expectations for every student and enthusiastically encourage them daily. Each student at DeLaSalle is vitally important to us. Students know that when they come here they have entered a safe place where they are valued and respected. We are optimistic about the achievement of every student and give each one the individual attention necessary to help them reach their academic goals. Our students are making a positive impact in their families and their communities because we are committed to helping them achieve their dreams. My students are also making a difference in my life and I have learned so much from them. They enrich my life and entertain me daily. I'm thankful for the opportunity to share this educational experience with them.
Octavia Childs, Graduate Class of 2005
DeLaSalle is very helpful. Without this school I would have not made it. I want to give thanks to Glenda, my counselor, who encouraged me through the years to make it!
Francie Grandanette, Art Teacher
I have an excellent rapport with my students and I believe art is the foundation for building this relationship. DeLaSalle is one of the few schools in the urban area that offers a great variety of the arts. I am thankful to be working at DeLaSalle and for the opportunity they have given me to grow in an area that is important to me.
Linda Fargus, Retired Teacher
I came to work every day for the challenge and the joy. This is a close knit community that celebrates accomplishments. The staff strives to provide a great education, love and support to every student. Meeting individual needs is our constant goal. We rejoice every victory and continue to meet the challenges set before us.
Tasha Harvey, Graduate Class of 2005
DeLaSalle is a good school. The two years I was there the teachers and my counselor, Mrs. Glenda Willis, really helped me out a lot. I don't think I would have graduated if I did not come to DeLaSalle! Thank you DeLaSalle!
Phyllis Bowie, Director of Attendance and Discipline
DeLaSalle is a great place to work as the evidence of my 12 years with the organization. DeLaSalle Education Center gives the employees the opportunity to do the types of activities that not only educate students but also broadens their horizons. As the Physical Education/Health Teacher, I like to expose the students to new recreational experiences as well as teach the benefits of leading a healthy lifestyle through diet, safety and exercise. DeLaSalle also allows the educator to grow by encouraging the employees to further their education and attend trainings and seminars that help enhance their curriculum.
Dominic Cornelius, Graduate Class of 2007
DeLaSalle has been a good opportunity for me. I have had a lot of support from teachers and counselors. The teachers give one-on-one attention to students. Also, counselors push kids to reach their goals. My experience at DeLaSalle has been very positive.
Jim Dougherty, Ph. D., Director of Sustainability
It is a privilege for me to serve at DeLaSalle. We have a dedicated and passionate staff and a remarkable student body. Our staff and faculty challenge our students to work at their highest level, and our students deeply appreciate the educational services we are able to provide. Moreover, our Board and community supporters are committed to insuring that DeLaSalle is able to provide the highest quality of services to our students. This is challenging and exciting work, based in a vision of improving educational outcomes to those young people needing another chance for educational success. Please come visit us, and join in our important work!
Sondra Salinas, Student Class of 2008
This is a very good school. I learned so much this year that will help me later in life!
Sean Merritt, Counselor
This school gives our students more opportunities for education and life in general than traditional schools. DeLaSalle helps these kids in all areas from getting their education to finding jobs and providing them with all sorts of other resources as needed.
Brandee Bell, Counselor
I enjoy being a counselor at DeLaSalle because I get the opportunity to really get to know each of my students. They all have different reasons for being here and it is a joy to see them succeed, especially when it seemed like some of them weren't going to make it. I feel that DeLaSalle makes our students feel cared about because we go the extra mile to help them succeed.
Atrina Thomas, Graduate Class of 2005
I am so determined to achieve my goals so I can show other teen parents that anything is possible as long a you put your mind to it and work your best.
Carolyn Watkins, Director of Human Resources
I enjoy getting up and coming to work every day because DeLaSalle Education Center creates an atmosphere full of passion and genuine care for the students as well as the staff. I watch the teachers, counselors and administrative staff interact with the students and I get goose bumps watching the reaction from the students. You can see in the faces of these youth that they appreciate the care and love they receive from our staff because it is expressed in every word, every touch and in every facial expression throughout each building.
Pat Lantz, Student Press Director
I believe DeLaSalle Education Center is one of the chanciest organizations in Kansas City. Chancy because it offers students a chance to start over where other schools have given up. Chancy because it allows students a chance to learn in a caring and safe environment. Chancy because it gives the students a chance to go outside its doors and learn real world lessons in area businesses. Chancy because it provides teenage parents a chance to learn parenting and literacy skills. And chancy because if it were not for DeLaSalle, many young people would not have the chance to continue their education.
Buy printing from the Student Press @ DeLaSalle.
Ms. Mead, Special Education Teacher - Hilltop
Working for DeLaSalle at Hilltop is such a joy and a daily reward for me. I am presented with daily challenges that often require me to look deep within myself for the right answers to help the students with their academic and/or personal difficulties. There are days when I'm not sure who needs who more; the students or me.
Mr. Smith, English Teacher - Hilltop
With busy schedules, most people rarely have the opportunity to help others or give to charity. I am blessed to actually spend time working for a good cause, rewarding me in ways that other jobs cannot.
Mr. Lewis, Computer Teacher - Hilltop
In my observation of this organization, I feel that DeLaSalle Education Center is a place where the possibilities of growth are astronomical. Students and staff learn from one another. Effort + Application = Success.
Mr. Miller, Science Teacher - Hilltop
I love teaching! I really do. When I hear my friends complain about their jobs, I am thankful that I actually get to DO something at work, even if the positive affects happen years from now, and I never see the results.
Mrs. Dow, Art Teacher - Hilltop
Working for DeLaSalle at the Hilltop Campus gives me the flexibility to create motivating and challenging art projects for my "at-risk" students. I enjoy teaching students various techniques to help them develop their art. Hilltop students are very talented.
Mr. Faulkner, Math Teacher - Hilltop
DeLaSalle presents a uniquely positive and creative place for educators to function. I am able to independently develop learning communities that are designed to motivate individual students within the classroom structure.
