Photo By Sgt. Edwin Rodriguez | Spc. Jessica Fields, cargo specialist with the 155th Inland Cargo Transfer Company,...... read more read more
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. - Newcomers are greeted with “Hello and Good Morning” by a security officer at the front door when they enter through the halls of An Achievable Dream Academy There are other security officers stationed throughout the school to ensure the children’s safety. The school is not necessarily out of place in this neighborhood, but one could imagine how it is to live in this difficult area.
The academy is deeply seated in Newport News proper, specifically the Dunbar neighborhood, just blocks from the ports that essentially built the city. The area has seen a decline recently but in the cracked concrete, a flower blooms courageously.
The growth of AAD Academy not only comes from dedicated, hardworking teachers, or local families that fight for their children’s best interest, but also from the 7th Sustainment Brigade that has sent volunteers to the school since 1994.
Every six months, a group of at least 20 soldiers give their all to the children and teachers of the academy. They are appreciated for every moment given.
“The students look up to them. They wonder where the soldiers are and expect them to be in school,” said Mary Warnock, a second-grade teacher at AAD Academy. “They stand taller, almost mimicking the soldiers by the way they talk, dress and in demeanor.”
She has seen dramatic changes in the children’s behaviors as soon as they move on to the next grade level.
“From my second graders you can see a definite maturity. They are extremely polite, help the younger students, and set standards for that group for what they can be,” added Warnock.
Promptly at 8:15 a.m., Monday through Friday, children from kindergarten through fifth-grade come in through the front door, many by school buses, and begin the day as professional as the soldiers waiting in the hallway.
“Good morning sir” says a kindergartner.
“Good morning to you sir” replies one soldier in uniform.
The lines of school children paint the hallways blue and white seemingly flooding every doorway on the first floor. However on Fridays, the flood is directed to the gym.
Each grade participates in the morning program every Friday during the school year. Soldiers from the 155th Inland Cargo Transfer Company, 53rd Movement Control Battalion, 7th Sus. Bde. help lead the children in a highly anticipated, competitive-based motivation that kick starts the children’s’ weekend.
“Fifth-grade what is our motto?!” yell the soldiers.
“Motivation, Dedication, HOOAH!” shout hundreds of students in the gym.
After the morning’s inspirational rendition of the school motto, “Star-Spangled Banner,” and “Pledge of Allegiance,” students then ‘march’ on to class.
“Good morning ma’am,” says one second-grader.
“Good morning to you, enjoy your day ma’am,” says Spc. Jessica Fields, a cargo specialist with the 155th ICTC
Inspiration drips off the walls. Banners hang off the ceilings that say, “If you can dream it, you can achieve it” and murals on hallway walls show what the future could be for students. The impact has gone both ways.
“The biggest impact is getting to know the kids personally along with their families. All of us are trying to make it better for the children. It isn’t easy,” said Sgt. Alexander Cobb, a senior forklift operator with the 155th ICTC. “It is just as hard, if not harder for them, the students.”
“I have become more sentimental and caring. I realize some families need help. As far the children, they have learned that they should respect those older than themselves and to treat and respect each other,” said Fields
“I learned a lot about children. It has been an experience I am going to take with me,” said Spc. Justin Smith, assigned to the 155th ICTC.
The academy is year-round program with plenty of breaks to compensate for the shorter summer. On the last Friday morning program of the academic year, the school host a ‘Field Day” for all: volunteers, students and faculty.
The purpose of today was to appreciate each other and the hard work the community has put in for the year reiterated Cobb. He added that field day was a way for the students to relax and wind down the school year.
For 18 years, the 7th Sus. Bde. has put in thousands of hours into the AAD Academy. Teachers, families and community volunteers have all seen the results. A huge impact, which cannot be measured, is the one on the students. The soldiers of the ‘Resolute’ Brigade have seemed to make the mark.
“They (students) stand taller, make sure their uniforms are in good order, and overall look forward to the soldier’s presence,” said Warnack. “I think it is very important for the students to see such good examples.”
| Date Taken: | 06.08.2012 |
| Date Posted: | 06.12.2012 15:23 |
| Story ID: | 89850 |
| Location: | NEWPORT NEWS, VIRGINIA, US |
| Web Views: | 115 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Helping An Achievable Dream, by SGT Edwin Rodriguez, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
No keywords found.
