Against The Grain

This summer AtG held a 5 week literacy camp for 50 children.  It was one of the most frustrating and rewarding things we have ever done.  We had one young man who could not pay attention and continued to distrupt his class and so he was permanently removed from the class.  He spent his summer working one-on-one with volunteers and when we did not have an extra volunteer available, I worked with him.  Last week Meredith was talking to the Principal of his school and the Principal was bragging about how well he and his two brothers are doing this year in school.  Meredith talked with their mother and found out that Julius (the young man who had been in the office every day) had scored 100's on his spelling tests.  The mother said that she attributed his success to the fact that he can read and gave credit to attendance at the literacy camp.  Meredith wanted to reward the boys for their good work in school and asked if she could take them to Sonic. 
While they were at Sonic she told Julius that she had heard of his good grades and wanted to know what he thought was the reason that he was getting 100's on his spelling tests.  His response was "Mr. Rob taught me how to read this summer".  She had him call me and tell me that and I had to share it.  That is by far my favorite memory to date with AtG.  This young man was the source of endless frustration this summer, but we would not let him go home or just sit in the office…we made him complete the curriculum and it worked!  I am so proud of him.  Thanks to all for helping to make this possible through your constant encouragement and support.