STARS graduation to provide fitting end to Deen's JISD career
By JIMMY GALVAN

On Dec. 11, there will a beginning and an ending to the Southeast Texas Academic Recovery School (STARS) ceremony at the Jasper High School auditorium.

Six STARS will be accepting their diplomas at the 5:30 p.m. program as a new chapter in their lives will begin.

For Kenneth Deen, principal for STARS, the ceremony will mark an end to his 43- year academic career. Deen is retiring in December from education and from the STARS program.

"This is the best job I ever had in my life," Deen said. "I have never had a job that was more rewarding than this. I will always look back on this position as being the best I've ever had."

Deen opened the STARS campus in February of 2005 and said the program has been a blessing to both students and him alike.

"I have worked for 43 years in education and none of my previous jobs have been anywhere close to this one," Deen said.

The establishment of a Credit Recovery School in Jasper was initiated and implemented by outgoing Jasper Independent School District Superintendent Dr. Eddie Dunn and the JISD Board of Trustees.

When Deen accepted the role as STARS administrator, he and the district knew it was a short-term decision.

"My job was to get the program started and then let someone carry on," Deen said.

He said the next STARS principal would have to remember that they are there for the kids first.

"They need to have a lot of compassion yet have a certain amount of firmness," Deen said. "You have to care for the kids and have them at heart. You can't be here just for the money or just for the job because this is not a place for that."

Deen said the value of a program such as STARS has been debated for a long period of time. He said a number of the students in the program have experienced "problems" during their school days.

"Some may have been involved with drugs or just couldn't get along in school at 15 years of age while others just fell through the cracks and now at age 19 and 20 - they have their head on right and realize they can't make it in this world without a diploma," Deen said. "When they realize that they messed up and it was their fault they are where they are, then they have their head on right."

Deen said the STARS program was set up right in that he held the sole responsibility to accept or deny applications for the school.

"There is no board or principal that can force one in - now I don't turn many down but if there is someone that I don't feel will work, then I don't take them," Deen said. In May of 2006, the Stars

campus held its first graduation in which three students were awarded high school diplomas.

"I think if people came to the graduation ceremony they would see something that is completely different from a normal high school graduation," Deen said. "These kids have stories to tell. Instead of throwing their hats in the air and shouting and hollering, you will see tears and it's different."

Deen said he will miss the interaction he had with his STARS students.

"I'm scared to death - I have never not worked and I am 63 years old," Deen said. "I started when I was 20. Am I going to miss it? You bet. Maybe, I won't be able to stand it and I'll come back begging for a job."

Deen said accepting this position with STARS was a great ending to his educational career.

"I have enjoyed every bit of it," Deen said. "It's been a blessing to me. I have seen people stay until they are burned out and go out like an old quarterback that stays in the game too long. I never wanted to go out that way.

"It has been good and I'm proud of the successes we have had here," Deen said.