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Program Seeks Positive Outcome

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By JAMIE PILARCZYK, The Tampa Tribune

Published: January 19, 2008

Updated: 01/17/2008 07:11 pm

TAMPA - More than 30 Middleton High students walked across a stage to receive a diploma this week, a little early for high school graduation but not from a life-skills class.

As Amer-I-Can graduates, they joined almost 180 students from King, Leto and Plant City high schools, and Pierce and Tomlin middle schools to celebrate the program's launch in Hillsborough.

Begun in 1988 by National Football League Hall of Famer Jim Brown, the semesterlong program was brought to Florida with Gov. Charlie Crist's approval in May. State Sen. Arthenia Joyner, D-Tampa, and state Rep. Mitch Needelman, R-Melbourne, worked to get $1.35 million for the self-improvement program.

Brown, Joyner and Needelman attended the graduation Monday at Leto.

"I'm often asked why I'm here when I could be in retirement," Brown, 71, told the crowd of more than 300. "But I had a dream 20 years ago. Today, there are six schools represented in this auditorium, and to see your behavior, how you're free, how you laugh and listen - what could be more beautiful than for an old man to sit up here and see that. I'm so proud of you."

Eight high schools and six middle schools in Hillsborough, Manatee and Brevard counties were chosen to begin the program this school year. The schools, which are in areas with high crime rates and gang activity, began courses on topics such as setting goals, emotional control, family relationships and financial stability.

Improved grades and fewer behavioral referrals and absences have officials hopeful about the program. A decision on expanding Amer-I-Can throughout Hillsborough will be made in May.

"We target students on the verge of being enticed into drug or gang involvement or who are having difficulty in school," said Debi Veranth, the district's director of administration.

Teachers and guidance counselors identify students and send letters to their parents offering the class as an elective. No parents have objected.

"There's definitely a need for positive influences for the students beyond the classroom," said Brad Woods, Middleton's assistant principal for curriculum. "In the classroom, teachers are focused on the content and curriculum. They don't have the time to build the relationships, to get to know the kids on a personal level."

Woods said his guidance counselors each serve about 450 students.

"We have seen their grades go up, and I think it's because they know someone cares," said Rosemary Buchanan, who taught the program with Americo Menendez to 35 Middleton students.

For Middleton 10th-grader Elaysha Dickerson, the program gave her focus.

"To me, it made a difference in my classes," she said. "It helped me to have patience instead of rushing over stuff."

For Leto student Edourd Cruz, his Amer-I-Can facilitator, Eddy Calcines, is now his mentor.

"Without him, I wouldn't be seeing life the same way," Cruz said. "They could have pushed me away if they wanted to, but they didn't."

Tomlin eighth-grader Ernesto Ruiz said his Amer-I-Can instructor, Manuel Bence, changed his outlook.

"Amer-I-Can has given me the tools to make choices that will make a positive effect on my life," Ruiz said. "Mr. Bence has taught me the decisions I make today will impact my tomorrow."

Pierce Middle was ripe for Amer-I-Can, said Victor Fernandez, principal of the Town 'N Country school.

When offered the program in lieu of physical education, students were less than enthusiastic, he said. But they became engaged and enthusiastic; 60 graduated Monday.

"When they get to the sixth grade, they are totally disorientated. They want to be tough," Fernandez said. "This program is perfect for us as a middle school. By the time they reach high school, they will already be on the right track."

Brown said people consider these youngsters a lost generation.

"I say that they are not different, they just live in a different time," he said. "They all want to be loved. They all want to be cared for. They all want to be listened to and respected."

Reporter Jamie Pilarczyk can be reached at (813) 835-2114 or jpilarczyk@tampatrib.com.

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