Walking the Halls
By KENNETH DEAN

Walking the Halls of STARS High School

The process of establishment of a Credit Recovery School in Jasper was initiated and implemented by the current JISD Superintendent Dr. Eddie Dunn and the JISD Board of Directors. Support from the community, area businesses and various foundations made the STARS campus a reality in Jasper.

The value of a program such as STARS has been debated for a long period of time. Those with the opposing view claim that these young people have squandered their opportunity, and we should not spend more money on giving them a second chance. The money could be used to help the students who have stayed in school and want to learn. On the pro side is a large contingency of people who claim that many times a young person falls behind, through no fault of their own, and becomes a dropout. Some of the reasons given for falling behind are problems within the home such as alcoholism, physical or mental abuse, single parent situations, or just an unfortunate case of a student falling between the cracks.

As principal of the newly established STARS campus, I have the opportunity to observe the results of a student having dropped out of school. As they go out into the world at an early age they discover the only jobs available to them are entry level and low paying. Before long, many dropouts begin seeking help because they now realize they are too old to return to school and are facing a lifetime of poverty. Many of them come into my office searching for a solution to their dilemma. As they interview for admission, most are very contrite and blame no one except themselves for their situation. They want their high school diploma and are ready and willing to work hard and sacrifice to achieve this goal.

In May of 2006, the Stars Campus held its first graduation in which three students

were awarded high school diplomas. Dec. 11, at 5:30 p.m. the second graduation for STARS will be held at the high school auditorium. Six candidates will receive their high school diplomas.