Vol. 1 - No. 4 May 2009

CONGRATULATES ALL VICTORIA AREA GRADUATES

In This

ISSUE

Derek Blackwell:Five Year Fellowship

Natasha Verma:14 Year Old Graduate

WIPP Scholarship Recipients:Alexander, Porter, & Trevino

by Allison Miles

Hard work can make all thedifference. It’s a messageWillie Pickens emphasizes tostudents every day.

“You strive to be No. 1 andyou strive the best you can,”he said. “Even if you don’t getit, you’re going to be so closewho’s going to know the dif-ference?”

Pickens owns DestinyConsulting, where he mentorsschool principals, providesmotivational speeches andencourages students to reachfor their educational dreams.

The Houston resident is nonewbie to the world of educa-tion. He worked in the schoolsystems for more than 30

years, moving up fromteacher and coach to adminis-tration and eventually princi-pal of Houston’s G.W. CarverMagnet High School forEngineering, AppliedTechnology and the Arts.

During his time as princi-pal, Carver received

by Allison Miles

Success is possible for any-one willing to work hardenough for it. That’s the mes-sage Josie Rivera works toget out every day. And sheshould know. She’s livingproof.

Rivera started out as a localgirl faced with some toughdecisions, but ended up thesuperintendent of the sameschool she’d dropped out ofyears before.

As a freshman atBloomington High School,Rivera dreamed of becominga teacher. When her fatherbecame permanently disabledand her mother fell ill, howev-er, she and one of her two sis-

ters dropped out to care forthe family.

“We had no one to help usout,” Rivera said. “Therefore,we had to step in and takeresponsibility.”

Rivera wed at age 16,according to a UHV news

release, earned her GED and,with those dreams of becom-ing a teacher still holdingstrong, took a position as ateacher’s aide inBloomington. When her moth-er died in 1970, her youngestsister – eight years old at thetime – went to live with her.

Returning to the same dis-trict she had dropped out ofwas exciting, she said, and thefriends and mentors shefound at the school encour-aged her to shift focus back toher own education. Theschool’s principal evenallowed her a flexible workschedule so she could attendclasses.

“It was very difficult to go

by Dr. Tim Butler,

President, The Victoria College

Victoria College has a longand proud tradition of servingVictoria and the Crossroadsregion. It was somewhatdaunting to take on theresponsibilities of president ofan institution that has been inexistence since 1925 with onlythree other presidents beforeme! But in September of 2008,that is what I did, looking for-ward with great anticipationto being part of an institutionwith a reputation for excellentinstruction and to building afuture as successful as ourpast.

“Start here. Go far.” VC’smotto says it all. No matteryour age or circumstance, VCmakes it easy to begin yourcollege career. The college isaccessible to all in our region,offering low tuition and qualitycourses and programs to pre-pare students for work or fur-ther study. With the educationyou receive at Victoria Collegeyou can truly “go far,” in yourcareer and in life.

I am often asked about

Victoria College’s future.Recently, our employees andstudents have been engagedin planning that future togeth-er. One result of this collabo-ration is a revised missionstatement that focuses VC onproviding educational oppor-tunities for our students andcommunities. Our new mis-

sion also proclaims what wevalue most: integrity, respectfor the uniqueness of individu-als, student achievement andsuccess, and excellence.

In fact, promoting studentsuccess and providing themeans for students to achievetheir educational goals isparamount for VictoriaCollege. The faculty and staffat VC are dedicated to this.Current students at VictoriaCollege often tell me thatwhat sets us apart is the acad-emic support provided outsideof the classroom, whetherthat’s one-on-one time withtheir instructors, free tutor-ing, or supplemental instruc-tion for the more challengingcourses. Additionally, oursmall class sizes ensure stu-dents receive the personalattention they deserve.

Success also means that ourofferings are tailored to theneeds of our communities.The world, and our role in it,changes rapidly. VictoriaCollege must listen to ourcommunities and meet com-

munity needs. We must alsobe aware of what is happeningin the world at large, and pro-vide leadership in preparingour communities for thoseneeds. At VC you will find rel-evant courses and programs,modern, effective technology(both in the classroom andout) and flexible and conve-nient scheduling to mesh withthe needs of students withvery busy lives.

I find that many of our stu-dents, probably most, areattending college becauseeducation improves their joband career prospects. Thereis little argument that it doesindeed do that, but educationis a powerful tool that oftenopens doors we did not evenknow existed. The truly won-derful thing about educationis that along the way to a bet-ter job or more satisfyingwork, a personal transforma-tion occurs. Education trulytransforms your life. Theworld is more vibrant, moreexciting and more enjoyable.

That’s what I call success!

Willie Pickens/Contributed Photo

Dr. Tim Butler, president, The

Victoria College/Contributed Photo

Dr. Josie Rivera/Contributed Photo

Striving to make a difference Dr. Josie Rivera: Dream deferred, then realized

Victoria College president: “Start here, go far”

See PICKENS, pg. 10 See RIVERA, pg. 10

As we approach the end ofanother school year, it is clearand apparent that unique aca-demic accomplishments wereachieved by some of Victoria’sbrightest students. VoicesUnited congratulates all grad-

uates at all levels of the acad-emic ladder.

In our effort to inform andinspire parents and studentswith education informationand thought provoking arti-cles, this issue also containsprofiles of some very specialpeople whose academic suc-cess stories are compellingand worthy of our applause.

Voices United acknowledgesthe importance of timely arti-cles written by Dr. BruceBauknight, Claud Jacobs, andJackie Johnson on HealthNotes, Money Matters andSocial Security Facts, respec-tively. Also, a special thankyou is extended to the adver-tisers that appear in this pub-lication and we encourage allto consider utilizing theirgoods and services.

Thank you!!!

by Cherie Singleton

Calvin C. Singleton, Sr. wasa “barrier breaker” in thefield of education. When hedied this past February 22, heleft a treasure of memoriesthat many of his former stu-dents will always cherish. Hewas a graduate of CentralHigh School in Galveston andTexas Southern Universityearning a Bachelor Degree inIndustrial Arts.

He began his teachingcareer in Victoria in 1959,becoming one of the firstAfrican American teachers tointegrate the public schools.His students’ projects werehighly regarded all over thestate and were displayedthroughout the Victoria

Community. He later relocat-ed to the Galveston PublicSchools where he continuedhis highly successful teachercareer in Industrial Educationuntil retirement in 1990. Heoften said that he was givenstudents that “nobody wantedto teach,” but he always hadvery high expectations fortheir achievement and insist-ed on excellence.

Calvin Singleton, Sr., had avision for all of his students.He always searched for learn-ing connections to makelearning relevant and excit-ing. He never accepted medi-ocrity from his students andencouraged them to aim forcollege and higher education-al pursuits.

He often gave his own finan-cial resources to encouragestudents to expand their edu-cational experiences and chal-lenged others to do the same.His message of hope andencouragement gave opportu-nity to students in the face ofadversity.

He also encouraged manystudents to explore teachingas a career and he impacted

many others to enter the field.He often said that he “rel-ished the fact that he had theopportunity to impact youngminds.” Not only did heimpact them academically,but also about life’s lessonsthat help mold students intoproductive and contributingmembers of society.

Calvin Singleton, Sr. made amagnificent contribution tothe field of education. Heleaves a legacy for others toemulate and model for futureyears to come.

2 – Voices United Publication of Victoria, May 2009

PUBLISHER’S MESSAGE

Rick Perkins, PublisherCalvin C. Singleton/Contributed Photo

Cherie. Singleton/Contributed Photo

August 15, 1934 - February 22, 2009

Calvin C. Singleton, Sr: A teacher for all students

University of Houston-Victoria Student SenatePresident Kristen Lindleywas almost hoping she would-n’t be able to attend her grad-uation ceremony on Saturday.

She knew that if she missedthe ceremony, it would bebecause the UHV Jaguarshad made it to the 2009National Association ofIntercollegiate AthleticsSoftball NationalChampionship scheduledtoday through May 20 inDecatur, Ala. Her wish cametrue.

“We’re just on such a rollright now, I don’t see anybodybeating us,” said Lindley, a 22-year-old pitcher and designat-ed player for the Jaguars.

Lindley, whose hometown isSpring, Texas, hadn’t evenheard of UHV just a couple ofyears ago when she was asoftball player atNorthwestern StateUniversity in Natchitoches,La. She ran into her friendLauren Garza at a baseballgame in Houston, and Garzatold her she was coming toUHV as a pitcher for the newJaguars softball team.

Lindley did some researchabout UHV and decided itwould be a good fit for her.She hasn’t looked back sinceshe came to the university inthe fall of 2007 and startedgetting involved in activities.

“I’ve gotten so involvedbecause, honestly, I’m kind ofa nerd,” Lindley said. “I like todo productive things. I’vealways been involved inschool activities and wasmore interested in what meet-ings I could go to instead ofwhat parties I could go to.”

“I know that Kristen had agrueling schedule this schoolyear, but she made it all lookeasy,” said Janet Foerster,

Student Senate co-sponsorand a UHV student servicesgeneralist. “She has demon-strated such leadership skillsand was totally committed toevery project sponsored bythe Student Senate.”

Under Lindley’s leadership,the Student Senate has madevolunteering a priority. Senatemembers also agreed todonate items to the GivingTree rather than giving holi-day gifts to each other.

“It’s been a very fun year,”Lindley said. “I’ve reallyenjoyed it, but it’s been a lot ofwork.”

Lindley ’s friends areimpressed with her dedicationto everything she does bothon and off the softball fieldand know that graduation isjust the beginning.

“She puts so much effortinto everything she does,”said teammate LindseyFerguson, who plays first basefor the Jaguars and also willmiss Saturday’s graduation.“She is not only an outstand-ing person on the field and inthe classroom; she’s an out-standing person in general.”

The benefit of higher educa-tion has an after affect thatlast a lifetime. However to getfrom point A to point Brequires a financial commit-ment that many prospectivestudents view as intimidatingand unobtainable. TheUniversity of Houston-Victoria’s LEAD (LettingEducation Achieve Dreams)program is looking to positionitself to counteract this veryreal concern; through a mix-ture of educational aware-ness…and softball!

On July 18th, the first annu-al “Achieve Your Dreams”softball scholarship fundrais-er will be held at the VictoriaSoftball Complex. This will bea 12 team, Co-ed division tour-

nament with an emphasis onpromoting higher educationand raising money for schol-arships. LEAD’s mission is toserve as a guiding hand foranyone who has the dream ofcompleting their four or sixyear degree. And in doing so,community involvement is anabsolute necessity. By hostinga community softball tourna-ment in the name of scholar-ship fundraising; this opportu-nity serves as a win-win situa-tion.

For more information aboutthe tournament and how toget involved, please contact:

Billy LagalE-mail: lagalb@uhv.eduPhone: 361.570.4865

Voices United Publication of Victoria, May 2009 – 3

Kristen Lindley/Contributed Photo

For the love of the game, Lindley misses graduationLEAD’s “Achieve Your Dream” softball scholarship fundraiser.

Music for all occasions(361) 576-0160rpq1@sbcglobal.net

110 Laguna Dr., Victoria, Texas 77904

CHURCH MUSICIAN NEEDED

Seeking Church pianist/organistAbility to read music, inspire, develop, lead and

have a passion for the Church, Worship and Music. Send resume to 808 S. Navarro Victoria Tx. 77901

or email mcmbc@sbcglobal.net

Only the sincere, saved, pious need apply.

4 – Voices United Publication of Victoria, May 2009

by Claud Jacobs

2008 was truly a bad yearfor US and World economics.At times oil and gas were atall time highs, stocks andbonds were down 25-40%,home values decreased andlow interest rates paid onmoney we saved.

For many of our young peo-ple 21-40, it was the first timethey had experienced hardeconomic times.

For these young peoplethere are several things theyneed to know. First they havetime on their side for theirmoney to grow. They need tokeep saving and spend less.

Second, they need to diver-sify their investments. Thismeans they will never get thehighest returns in up mar-kets; however they will notsuffer as much in downturns.

The US economy accountsfor only about 50% of all themarkets so we always need tothink globally.

We are in a world economy.Look at all types of marketsand investments. The thirdthing is to plan for your retire-ment. Start now. Use your

company’s 401(k) programand if they do not have one,start a Traditional or RothIRA.

Remember it is also impor-tant to have a plan, know whatyou want and devise a plan.Have a budget and follow it.Avoid credit cards and neverspend more than you make.

Now is the time to preparefor your future, don’t dependon someone else to take careof you.

By Jackie Johnson

Social Security District Manager

in Victoria, TX

Social SecurityAdministration will send out$250 economic recovery pay-ments to people who receiveSocial Security andSupplemental SecurityIncome (SI) benefits begin-ning in early May 2009 andcontinuing throughout themonth. No action is requiredto get the payment, which willbe sent separately from theperson’s regular monthly pay-ment.

The American Recoveryand Reinvestment Act of 2009provides for a one-time pay-ment of $250 to adult SocialSecurity beneficiaries, and toSSI recipients, except thosereceiving Medicaid in carefacilities. To receive the pay-ment the individual must beeligible for Social Security orSSI during the months ofNovember 2008, December2008 or January 2009.

The legislation also pro-vides for a one-time paymentto Veterans Affairs (VA) andRailroad Retirement Board

(RRB) beneficiaries. The VAand RRB will be responsiblefor paying individuals undertheir respective programs.However, if someone receivesSocial Security and SSI, VA orRRB benefits, he or she willreceive only one $250 pay-ment. People getting SocialSecurity or SSI should notcontact the agency unless apayment is not received byJune 4, 2009.

The special one-time pay-ment will be made to benefi-ciaries whose address ofrecord is one of the 50 states,the District of Columbia,Puerto Rico, Guam, U.S.Virgin Islands, AmericanSamoa, or the NorthernMariana Islands.

If the beneficiary’s monthlySocial Security or SSI pay-ment is made by directdeposit, the $250 one-timepayment will be made bydirect deposit. If the benefi-ciary ’s monthly SocialSecurity or SSI payment issent by mail, the $250 one-time payment will be sent bymail. Monthly paymentsmade through the new Direct

Express debit card also willbe made through the DirectExpress debit card.

The $250 one-time paymentwill not be included in thebeneficiary’s regularly sched-uled monthly Social Securityor SSI payment. It will beissued separately. If a benefi-ciary has a representativepayee, the one-time paymentwill be paid to the payee onbehalf of the beneficiary

If someone receives bothSocial Security and SSI,he/she will receive only onepayment of $250.

For beneficiaries whoreceive SSI, the one-time pay-ment will not be counted asincome. It will count towardthe SSI resources limit afternine months.

MONEY MATTERS SOCIAL SECURITY AND YOU

Claud Jacobs/Contributed Photo

Surviving bad econony requires preparation Economic recovery payments arriving soon

Jackie Johnson/Contributed Photo

Voices United Publication of Victoria, May 2009 – 5

As summer gets its start,most 14-year-olds are windingdown from a long year in mid-dle school and settling into acouple months of friends, restand relaxation. NatashaVerma’s plans are slightly dif-ferent.

Although she’ll undoubtedlytake some down time, she’llalso busy herself packingbags, spending quality timewith family and gearing up forher next stop: The Universityof Texas at Austin.

At age 14, Natasha graduat-ed Victoria College with anassociate of science degree.

“I was motivated towardgraduating,” she said over thephone while returning froman Austin visit.

Natasha took the education-al fast track, skipping eighthgrade before moving on toProfit Magnet High School.She entered college at age 12.

“I enjoy taking on morechallenges,” she said.

The teenage go-getter wasaccepted into UT’s College ofNatural Science and hopes to

become a medical doctor.She’ll be following in the foot-steps of her father, Dr. OmeshVerma.

The upcoming changes arenerve racking for any parents,but Natasha will be just fine,said Shama Verma, Natasha’smother.

“We are very proud of her,”she said. “She needs to bechallenged. I’m sure she willdo well.”

Education plays a majorrole in her life, but Natasha isinvolved in other things, too.She plays tennis, golf and is ablack diamond skier. She alsoplays piano, dances pointeand competes in pageants.

And she recently hit anoth-er milestone: acting in herfirst movie. She plays Barbiein the upcoming film“Ringworm.”

Natasha’s achievementsmight seem dizzying, but shecredits much of her success tosupport from family andfriends and also to hard work.She advised others to keepworking for what they want in

life. “Just remember your goals

and go for them,” she said.“Stay motivated and deter-

mined. You’re going to reachit eventually.”

Heading off to her junioryear is a bit unnerving – justask anyone leaving home forthe first time – but Natashasaid she’s excited about whatlies ahead and is looking for-ward to getting situated insideher dorm. And, even with thephysical distance, she knowsher parents will be behind her.

“I love Austin,” she said.“It’s an exciting and big city.But Victoria is still my home-town. I’ll miss it.”

OUTSTANDING ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENTS

The old saying goes that arolling stone gathers no moss.If that's the case, Derek RayBlackwell has nothing toworry about. He'll soon berolling into an elite spot in theIvy League.

"I want to be continuallymoving forward," the 25-year-old wrote. "I want to do asmuch as I can with the abili-ties that I have."

Blackwell was one of 16 peo-ple selected for the Universityof Pennsylvania's AnnenbergSchool for CommunicationPhD program. Approximately300 people applied to theschool, which boasts a No.1ranking in the nation in theareas of critical-culture com-munication, health communi-cation, mass communicationand political communication.Among other things,Blackwell's offer includes afull tuition (5 years, Mastersand Doctorate degrees) and a$23,000 annual stipend.

"I chose to go to graduateschool for a few reasons, butthey all trace back to thesame root philosophy," hewrote. "Settling is not in mynature."

Education has always beenimportant to Blackwell, whowas born in Beeville, butspent the majority of his life inVictoria.

He graduated MemorialHigh School in 2002 as anhonor student and a memberof Who's Who AmongAmerican High SchoolStudents. He moved on toVictoria College and, later,Texas State University, wherehe majored in mass communi-cation - electronic media andminored in media studies. Hiscollegiate accolades includethe National Dean's List andgraduating cum laude inAugust 2007.

But Blackwell doesn't limitthe learning solely to himself.He later took a teaching posi-tion at Profit Magnet HighSchool in Victoria, where heeducates his students aboutmedia technology. Teachingwas never something he'dplanned on and he wasn't surehe was up to the task, he said,but the experience has been arewarding one.

"Overall, I feel luckybecause I teach a class thatmost of the students look for-ward to coming to each day,"

he said. "The students arewhat make this a great job. Ihave fun every day."

It's safe to say that, asBlackwell moves on in life,he'll never stop learning. And,for now, he's simply lookingforward to his upcomingyears in Philly.

"Five years might sound likea long time to go to schoolwhen you don't have to," hewrote, "but when you're study-ing things that you're alreadyvery interested in, it's not aburden."

Natasha Verma/Contributed Photo

Natasha Verma: College grad at age 14

WIPP: Dream it, believe it, and achieve it

Blackwell receives Ivy League fellowship

Derek Blackwell/Contributed Photo

by Allison Miles

Dream it, believe it andachieve it. It’s the mottoWomen in Partnership forProgress has lived by formore than four decades.

The organization celebrat-ed its 40th anniversaryMarch 28 at the VictoriaWomen’s Club House. Thatmeans 40 years of urgingstudents to achieve theirdreams, of pushing for thegreater good and movingVictoria’s black communityforward.

“We wanted to change‘our world,’” the 40thanniversary ceremony pam-phlet said. “We were youngand full of vim, vigor andvitality. We put our thoughtsand aspirations togetherand organized ourselvesinto a group of young, aspir-ing ladies known as theDebonaires.”

The group was formed in1967, when Victoria was onthe cusp of integration. Atthat point it was known asthe Debonaire Social andCharity Club. It was formed

from several black teacherswho joined together for onepurpose: to promoteVictoria’s black community.

“Our purpose is basicallyto help people,” said FayeRichardson, one of thegroup’s 13 charter mem-bers. “We give scholarshipsand also contribute to differ-ent projects within the city.”

The club changed itsname to Women inPartnership for Progress, orWIPP, in 1985 to betterreflect the group’s goals andthe work it strived for in thecommunity. The word“social” often leads to

images of parties,Richardson explained.

“We did not want to bethought of in that light, nec-essarily,” Richardson said.“We wanted to be thought ofin terms of women promot-ing change.”

Two years later, it becamean official non-profit organi-zation.

Operation Hope Project isone of the group’s morememorable long-term pro-jects. The project began in1989 when WIPP selected 20African-American elemen-tary school students. WIPPmentored and guided each

of the children through theirsenior year of high schooland, upon graduation, eachchild received a $2,500scholarship.

“It was a wonderful expe-rience,” Richardson said.

The giving continuestoday. The group awardedthree $500 scholarships tograduating Memorial HighSchool seniors in 2009.Those awards went out toTimothy Alexander, QuintonPorter and Jarred Trevino.

Forty years may havealready passed, butRichardson said she stillsees a bright future forWIPP. The group will contin-ue to help others, she said,but will also change with thetimes. As society’s needsand children’s needschange, she explained, thegroup will work to meetthose needs.

“Our objective is to makea big difference,” she said.“We will always continue tobe a positive image for thecommunity.”

L to R: Timothy Alexander, Quinton Porter, Jarred Trevino/Contributed Photo

6 – Voices United Publication of Victoria, May 2009

Casting Director, Tanya Girdy and

Producer Oscar Hernandez-Perkins

Clockwise: Los Angeles Hip Hop Dancers, Lincoln Heights Jazz Dancers, Kennedy Tap Company and Orange County Ballet Company./ Contributed Photos

On June 28, 2009 at the LosAngeles Airport MarriottHotel, the Educating YoungMinds Scholarship AwardGala audience will be enter-tained and thrilled by theopening production numberCasting Director Tanya Girdyhas planned for the evening.She has contracted Hip Hop,Jazz, Tap and Ballet groupsthat consists of over 50dancers. The productionnumber will be choreo-graphed by one of the great-est choreographers in thebusiness, Chester Whitmore.

Producer, OscarHernandez-Perkins said, “Iam very proud of my daugh-ter Tanya for giving commu-nity children the opportunityto perform on the same stagewith A –List celebrities.Tanya and my son-in lawDonald Girdy Jr. have beenworking with my Los AngelesProduction Company forabout 6 years. They workwell with the Los Angelescrew.”

This year will be moredemanding because the BETAwards Show at the ShrineAuditorium is the same dayas the Educating YoungMinds Scholarship AwardsGala and celebrities will beshuttled between the twoevents.

OSCIA Productions is morethan capable of overcomingthis year’s unique challenges.

Voices United Publication of Victoria, May 2009 – 7

Fading Glory: Contributing Factors to the Decline ofAmerica's Public Schools by Dr. Earnestine Garner and Dr.Kim M. Garner can be purchased by logging title intoAmazon.com or Barnes and Noble (by the ISBN #978-159858-555-1

Willie Pickens

Destiny Consulting832-298-5101 281-586-0966-fax www.youngdestiny.com

8 – Voices United Publication of Victoria, May 2009

by Macarena Hernandez,

Director of Latino Initiatives, UHV

We've all heard the heart-breaking statistics: About halfof Latino kids don't graduatefrom high school. They'remore likely to live in povertyand least likely to go to col-lege. In coming years, morethan 90 percent of Texas' pop-ulation growth will be non-Anglo, and the majority ofnew Texans will be Latinos.

Between 2020 and 2030,Latinos will become thestate's majority.

But there is a huge educa-tion gap: As of 2000, only 30percent of Anglos, 15 percentof blacks and less than 9 per-cent of Latinos in Texas hadcollege degrees. Clearly, stateleaders need to figure out howto make the educational sys-tem work for more Texas chil-dren. But we - communitiessuch as Victoria - also need tostep in.

"Our fates are intertwinedand related," Steve Murdock,the state's former officialdemographer, told me a fewyears back. "People mustunderstand that it really iseveryone's problem. Because

how well our non-Anglo citi-zens do in Texas is how wellTexas will do."

Part of my job at theUniversity of Houston-Victoriais to develop innovative initia-tives that will encourage morestudents, especially first-gen-eration college kids, to investin a college diploma.

One thing I know for sure:It's never too early to startdrilling the idea of a collegeeducation.

I believe that a communitysuch as ours can help closethe achievement gaps. We canvolunteer at local schools. Wecan donate resources -whether time or money - to

by Jennifer Yancey

Vice President External Affairs, The Victoria

College

Many of us can hardly waitfor summer to get here. Butwhen summer finally arrives,how many of us sit aroundwishing the time would go byfaster?

For students of all ages,summer is a great time tolearn. Whether you want toearn credits toward yourdegree, take continuing edu-cation classes to learn newskills, explore personal inter-ests, or enroll your child in aneducational summer camp,The Victoria College offers avariety of summer programsthat will meet your needs.

Summer Credit Courses

If you are already enrolledas a student at VC, summer isthe perfect time to get acourse or two under your beltin a short period of time.While the fall and springsemesters are sixteen weekslong, the summer semester isonly six to eight weeks long.

The first session, orSummer I, begins Tuesday,June 2 and ends Tuesday, July23. Classes for the second ses-

sion, or Summer II, beginMonday, July 6 and endThursday, August 6. Studentscan choose from a number ofcourses either session andstill have time to take a sum-mer vacation.

For registration dates andto see a summer courseschedule, visit www.victoria-college.edu and click on the“Schedule” link.

Kids’ Camps

The Kids’ Camps at VC arepopular among working par-ents who want their childrento participate in fun summerlearning camps in a clean andsafe environment. The majori-ty of the Kids’ Camps areweek-long programs that

focus on specific subjects,ranging from science to pho-tography and music to art.

In addition to teaching stu-dents new skills, the Kids’Camps give them the opportu-nity to meet other studentsfrom the area who share theirinterests. The Kids’ Camps allcost under $100 and are heldon the VC campus to helpfamiliarize students with acollege-like atmosphere.

Children in grades 3-5 canenroll in fun camps such asRocket to the Stars, SpanishAround the World and theOooh…Aaah…Science Camp.Camp topics for children ingrades 5-8 include Adventuresin Art, Crochet & LoomKnitting, CSI for Kids, DigitalPhotography, Rocket to theStars, Spanish Around theWorld and Grossology.Students in grades 3-11 canattend a camp to learn how toplay the guitar, and the bas-ketball and volleyball ChampCamps are offered for stu-dents in grades 6-9.

For more information aboutthe Kids’ Camps, includingcamp dates and registrationdeadlines, please visit

by Fernando Mesa, Principal

Profit Magnet High School

With the rise in the numberof youth termed at-risk in theUnited States, so is themounting concern of parents,community, and school offi-cials for their wellbeing.Research indicates that at-risk students are in danger ofa host of academic and socialproblems in adolescents, suchas low self-esteem, member-ship in deviant peer groups,substance abuse, truancy, anddelinquency. Recent studieshave found that adolescentsare being arrested and incar-cerated for crimes beyond the“traditional ‘status’ offenses”such as running away, violat-ing curfew, or truancy. Thecrimes’ adolescents arearrested for are predominant-ly violent in nature and fallinto a variety of offenses rang-ing from sexual offense, van-dalism, arson, and murder.They further indicate thatadolescents are currentlybeing arrested and incarcer-ated in such high quantitiesthat the number of juveniles

incarcerated surpasses thehousing capacity of juveniledetention centers, to theextent that many adolescentsare being placed in adult cor-rectional facilities. Steps mustbe taken to address the ser-vice needs of these youth; tohalt their antisocial behaviorsand to provide them with theskills, services, and supportsnecessary to reenter and suc-ceed in society as contributingcitizens. This takes relation-ship building.

A close study of at-risk pop-ulations clarifies the fact thatat-risk behaviors transcendcultural, economic, gender,race, religious, and all other

boundaries. With a betterunderstanding of at-risk popu-lations, the causal factors forat-risk behaviors amongyouth, and preventionmethodologies used whenworking with at-risk youth,individuals involved withyouth at-risk will be betterequipped to meet the develop-mental and emotional needsof this growing population.“The true benefit of theknowledge gained [from thestudy of youth at-risk] will benot only better service forthose youth who have a poten-tial for developing at-riskbehavior but also betterpreparation for dealing withthose youth whose behaviorscurrently place them at risk”(Capuzzi & Gross, 2000, p. 19).

So, how do we educate suchstudents? We concentrate onbuilding relationships withstudents. Dr. Ruby Payne’sresearch on children in pover-ty identifies the fact that indi-viduals leave poverty for oneof four reasons, 1. It’s topainful 2. They have a visionfor their future 3. They have a

by Allison Miles

Childhood experiences tendto shape us into the people webecome. Such was the casefor Kim Garner.

Garner came from a familyof educators. Both parentswere school principals and,early on, she noticed theirconcern about the behaviorssome students exhibited inschool. Those concerns point-ed her down her life’s path.

Higher education was neveran option for Garner. It was anecessity. After graduatinghigh school in 2002, she wenton to college, where shemajored in English. All thewhile, she and her mother,Earnestine Garner, continueddiscussing the problemsmany students faced. But itdidn’t stop there.

After earning her bachelor'sdegree, Kim worked as analternative education teacher,a Texas Youth Commissionteacher and an assistant prin-cipal at an alternative campusin Houston. She also men-tored students from TexasA&M University.

At age 29 she completed her

doctorate, where she contin-ued her focus on behavioralproblems. For her disserta-tion she investigated disci-pline problems in schools,who and what contributed tothe problems and possiblesolutions.

She and her mother went onto write a book, “FadingGlory: Contributing Factors tothe Decline of America'sPublic Schools,” which exam-ines educational environ-ments, school violence andwhat leads to the anger somestudents display.

Connections are crucial,Garner said, explaining that

Jennifer Yancey/Contributed Photo

Kim Garner/Contributed Photo Fernando Mesa/Contributed Photo

Macarena Hernandez/Contributed

Photo

See HERNANDEZ, pg. 10See YANCEY, pg. 10

See GARNER, pg. 10 See MESA, pg. 11

Educating All Texans Key to A Stable Future

Childhood experiences shape future

Summer is a great time to learn

Serving the Needs of At-Risk Populations

Voices United Publication of Victoria, May 2009 – 9

by Dr. Bruce Bauknight

Father’s day is coming onJune 21, 2009. During themonth of June is a great timeto think about “Dear Old Dad”and to consider preventinghim from having ProstateCancer through appropriatescreening.

Prostate Cancer is a malig-nancy of the prostate glandthat is located below the blad-der and above the rectum.This gland produces seminalfluid that helps carry spermduring ejaculation.

In the U.S.A., more that180,000 men are diagnosedwith Prostate Cancer everyyear and over 28,000 will diefrom this disease each year.Prostate Cancer is second toSkin Cancer as the most com-monly diagnosed malignancy.There is a lifetime risk ofbeing diagnosed with ProstateCancer of 17%, but only 3% diefrom the disease. Autoposiesshow that 30% of men 50 yearsand older who die from othercauses have Prostate Cancer.This suggests that ProstateCancer may grow so slowlythat many die from other

causes before they developsymptoms of the disease.

Who is at risk for ProstateCancer? Of course, all menare at risk, but rarely is itseen before age 50. The inci-dence does increase with age.Also, African-American mendevelop Prostate Cancermore often that White orHispanic men. African-Americans are also more like-ly to die from Prostate Cancer.Men who have a first degreerelative (Father or Brother)with Prostate Cancer are at agreater risk. Men who havefemale relatives who have theBreast Cancer Gene (BRCA)are more likely to develop

Prostate Cancer. Having adiet high in animal fat or lowin vegetables can increaserisk.

Screening for ProstateCancer involves two tests: aphysical exam called a DigitalRectal Exam (DRE) by yourphysician or other health careprovider and a blood test thatmeasures Prostate SpecificAntigen (PSA). DRE candetect some cancers that aremissed by the PSA test. Notall of the Prostate Gland canbe examined by DRE andvery small cancers can bemissed.

PSA is a protein made onlyby the Prostate. An elevatedlevel does not always meanyou have cancer and a normallevel does not always meanyou do not have ProstateCancer. The most commoncause for elevation above nor-mal is a disorder calledBenign Prostatic Hypertrophy(BPH), a non-cancerousenlargement of the prostate.Other benign causes of eleva-tion of PSA values includeprostate infection (prostati-tis), trauma (long-bicycle

See BAUKNIGHT, pg. 11

Screening for prostate cancer

Dr. Bruce Bauknight/Contributed Photo

“Our Kids Are A Lifetime Investment”

“Wonderful People Doing Wonderful Things For Victoria”

November 5, 2009Victoria Community Center

Honorees to be announced this summer

STAY TUNED!Produced by Noted Hollywood Producer

Oscar Hernandez-Perkins (Oscia Productions)

Featuring the Rick Perkins Band

10 – Voices United Publication of Victoria, May 2009

fund and staff projects thatreach out to low-income stu-dents, who are most at risk ofdropping out, regardless ofethnicity.

At UHV, we've taken on thechallenge. We bring in localhigh school students to meetwith visiting authors andscholars. At the very least, weget them on a university cam-pus so that they can startthinking about a college diplo-ma as an option.

But even if politicians andeducators came up with theperfect plan to solve the prob-

lems afflicting our schools,nothing would work withoutparental involvement.Teachers can teach kids toread and subtract, but parentsmust teach them values andself-worth. Parents need toexpect more.

I've visited enough Texaspublic schools to know thatsome need to do a better jobof reaching out to parents, ofexplaining how they're part ofthe equation, how our stateneeds them in order to sur-vive.

"If these trends continue,Latino children are destinedfor low-paying jobs and desti-

tution. The only way out is aneducation, which is the mostreliable predictor of futureincome,"

Mr. Murdock told me."Whether you look at the Irish200 years ago, or the Germansor Italians, education hasplayed a key role in closingthe socioeconomic gaps."

Education is an investmentand a necessity. Teacherscan't do it alone. Communitiesneed to take a more activerole. And unless parents alsoget involved, our kids andstate will fail.

the Continuing EducationDepartment at (361) 582-2528.

Continuing Education

Programs

The Victoria College alsooffers a large variety of con-tinuing education coursesover the summer months.Whether you are interested in

exploring personal interests,brushing up on job-relatedskills, or learning new skills toadvance in your career, thereis a continuing educationcourse just for you.

Some of the personalenrichment courses beingoffered this summer includeComputer for Beginners, theCreative Floral Workshop,Cake Decorating for

Beginners, and DigitalCamera Operations forBeginners, as well as a varietyof dance classes.

VC’s Continuing EducationDepartment will offer a vari-ety of career-related trainingcourses during the summer,with subjects ranging frombusiness and computers toconstruction and mainte-nance, as well as several

healthcare related trainingcourses. Check out theContinuing EducationSchedule at www.victoriacol-lege.edu/ce to see whichcourses best meet your needs.

Continue your educational jour-

ney this summer.

As you begin to make yourfamily’s summer plans, don’t

forget to set aside some timeto continue learning. No oneis ever too young or too old tolearn. So why not take advan-tage of one or more of VC’smany summer programs?

For more information aboutspecific summer programsoffered at The VictoriaCollege, please call (361) 573-3291 or visit www.victoriacol-lege.edu.

because they don’t connectwith others around them.Connections make a differ-ence, she said, from allowingthe student to feel safe toknowing where to turn with aproblem and simply beingwilling to listen.

People often place theblame on the parent or

teacher when a student actsout, but the truth is everyonehas their role in that child’slife. It’s a group effort, every-one working toward the samegoal.

“We’re all to blame,” shesaid. “There are faults witheveryone.”

The good news? Things arefar from hopeless. All it takes

to help get a student back ontrack – or urge a successfulstudent to continue – is a bitof teamwork. A parent takingthe effort to get involved, forinstance, can make all the dif-ference.

“I believe every student cansucceed,” Kim said. “I reallydo.”

numerous awards, includingrecognition as the top engi-neering school in Texas andU.S. News and World Reportselected it as one of the topschools in the nation. It wasthe school’s and students’success that led Pickens downhis next path, opening DestinyConsulting.

“After 31 years I wanted todo something where I touched

more than just one school,” hesaid. “That’s what I’m doingnow. I’m success driven.”

The Victoria school districtis among those Pickensassists, and it isn’t just givingadvice from a distance.

He visits several times ayear to offer motivationalspeeches, staff developmentand he recently began a sum-mer transition program forlocal students. Through the

program, he tracks themthrough their ninth-gradeyear, helping them with edu-cational and personal prob-lems when necessary.

“The whole thing is to keepthem motivated so they don’tdrop out,” he explained.“Statistics show the highestdrop-out rate is the ninth-grade year.”

Next year he will offer a newprogram to the district which,

if all goes according to plan,will allow the organization toassist students all the waythrough graduation.

Pickens earned his bache-lor ’s degree in health andphysical education from theUniversity of Arkansas in PineBluff, Ark. and went on earn amaster’s degree in educationfrom Prairie View A&MUniversity in Prairie View,Texas.

He may have been in educa-tion for a while now, but hehas no plans of quitting anytime soon.

“I love what I do, he said.“I’m success driven. WhetherI’m working with students orI’m working with teachers,you have one goal and that’sto be No. 1.”

back to complete my educa-tion as an adult because I hadto work all day, take care ofmy own family and go to col-lege at night,” she said. “But Iwanted to be a teacher and,being the determined personthat I am, I made up my mind

that I was going to succeed.”And succeed she did.Not only did she become a

teacher, but years later shebecame superintendent.

“I remember walking downthe hall and thinking tomyself, ‘Wow – I am now thesuperintendent of this dis-

trict!’” she said. “It was adream come true.”

Today she works as seniorprogram development coordi-nator for the University ofHouston-Victoria’s LEAD pro-gram, which stands for lettingeducation achieve dreams.She works to help students

reach those same educationalgoals she aspired to.

Her advice to those whohave dropped out but are look-ing to get back on the educa-tional track? Obtain a GED,go to college and earn adegree in your field of choice.

“It is never too late,” Rivera

said.Education is available to

everyone, she reiterated. Youjust have to work for it.

“A person has to learn toovercome obstacles by keep-ing a smile and a positive atti-tude,” she said.

PICKENS, from pg. 1

RIVERA, from pg. 1

YANCEY, from pg. 8

GARNER, from pg. 8

HERNANDEZ, from pg. 8

REVEREND GREGORY O. WYATT, PASTOR

608 EAST CONVENT STREET,

VICTORIA, TEXAS 77901

361-573-6173SUNDAY SCHOOL: 9 am

MORNING WORSHIP: 10:30 amBaptist Training Union: 6 pm

Sunday Evening Worship: 7:15 pm

PALESTINEMISSIONARY

BAPTIST CHURCH

Wonders of Victoria Awards - Coming Soon!

Voices United Publication of Victoria, May 2009 – 11

valued relationship 4. Theyhave a special talent or skill.The point for educators tosimply understand is that edu-cation and relationship build-

ing is a vital means throughwhich at-risk populations canbe reached, and primarilythrough relationship building.The Model Schools FrameWork further suggests that

data gathering and organiza-tion are key factors in reach-ing at-risk populations; how-ever, a study of high perform-ing schools indicates that at-risk learners in these environ-

ments are held to high expec-tations, are provided variedand sustained support, andhave well established appro-priate relationships with alllearners.

rides) or recent ejaculation(within 48 hours).

Generally speaking, thehigher the PSA, the greaterthe chance that a cancer ispresent. Approximately 30%of men with abnormal valueswill have cancer. One studyshowed 20% of men withProstate Cancer had normallevels (false negatives). ThePSA test is not 100% accurate,but it is the best test alongwith DRE that we have forscreening.

If either the PSA and/or theDRE are abnormal, a tran-srectal ultrasound guidedbiopsy of the Prostate Glandis needed to evaluate. This isdone by a urologist in an officesetting.

Is screening right for you?With current available data, it

is not possible to determine ifthe benefits of screening out-

weigh the risks. A number ofongoing studies should be

completed in the next fewyears to clarify this controver-sy. The American CancerSociety, American UrologicalAssociation and the AmericanCollege of Physicians recom-mend that men have an opendiscussion with their clinician.The best approach is to:

1. Consider individual riskfactors.

2. Know the potential bene-fits and harm of screening,diagnosis and treatment.

3. Talk to a clinician aboutconcerns or questions.

If one chooses screening, itshould begin at age 50.African-American males andmen with first degree relativeshould start at age 40 or 45.Once screening begins, itshould be yearly with DREand the PSA blood test.

Happy Father’s Day!!!

Straight-A student DeboraKay Owen graduated magnacum laude (with high honor)from The Victoria College thisspring with an associate ofapplied science degree in pro-fessional office technology(medical specialization).

Recognized during VC’sspring commencement cere-mony as the student with thehighest grade point average(3.854) of all who participatedin the ceremony, Owen is amember of the Phi ThetaKappa honor society andplans to continue in the orga-nization as an alumni mem-ber.

Throughout her time at VC,Owen was a dedicated stu-dent who could be found mostweekdays deep in her notesand textbooks or studyingwith classmates in the VCTutoring Center.

Now that she has finishedher studies, Owen is spendingsome extra time with familyand looking forward to findinga full-time position as a med-ical coder with a local clinic orhospital.

Debora Kay Owen is pictured with VC President Tom Butler prior to the spring commencement ceremony held Saturday, May 16

in the VC Fine Arts Auditorium./Contributed photo

Debora Owens graduates magna

cum laude from The Victoria College

BAUKNIGHT, from pg. 9

MESA, from pg. 8

by Agnes Jewett

Founder, The Greater Victoria Civic Coalition, Inc.

T h eG r e a t e rV i c t o r i aC i v i cC o a l i t i o n ,Inc. is an o n - p r o f i to r g a n i z a -tion com-prised oforganizations and individualmembers with expertise toprovide a variety of communi-ty activities and ultimately,services. Paramount in theCoalition's mission are itsefforts to motivate students tostay in school and to provideincreased study help to anystudent

The Coalition's EducationCommittee, Chaired by Dr.Ileen Foley, presents "how toworkshops" that providestudy help for all grade levels.These well attended Parent -Student study sessions covera variety of topics such as"the new math' and the basicskill of formulating a goodstudy plan to achieve acade-mic success in the classroom.

There are many communityresources that contribute tothe success of Victoria's stu-dents and the Civic Coalitionis proud to be among them.More of our youth need tosuccessfully complete highschool and attend college andthose numbers will increasewith a decline in the schooldropout rate and improvedtest scores.

On November 5, 2009 TheGreater Civic Coalition Inc.will present the First AnnualWonders of Victoria Awards &Academic ScholarshipCelebration, produced bynoted Hollywood producerOscar Hernandez Perkins.Honoring "Wonderful PeopleDoing Wonderful Things ForVictoria" is the theme.Wonders of Victoria Awardshonorees will be announcedsoon.

We wish all students a safeand fun-filled Summer!!!

The Greater Victoria

Civic Coalition, Inc.

"Our Kids Are

A Lifetime

Investment”

Agnes Jewett/Contributed photo

“Generally speaking, thehigher the PSA, thegreater the chance that acancer is present.Approximately 30% ofmen with abnormal val-ues will have cancer.”

- Dr. Bruce Bauknight

12 – Voices United Publication of Victoria, May 2009