Crossing the Stage

Stephen Donaldson did something he wasn’t sure he would ever do: He crossed a stage to get his high school diploma. And he’d be the first person to tell you it wouldn’t have happened without the support of Communities In Schools.

Stephen Donaldson, 19, could have been a dropout. Stephen’s parents divorced when he was in 2nd grade, and the family faced financial hardships.  Stephen lived with his mom, but also stayed with his grandparents for a year when his behavior became disruptive.  By middle school, Stephen was disengaged and struggling academically.

When he was 15, Stephen went to live with his dad, with whom he currently resides.  Stephen Donaldson, Sr. and his son are described as “the best of friends” and “two peas in a pod” by Stephanie Sutton, the Communities In Schools of North Texas program manager who has worked with Stephen for the past few years at Denton High School.  Stephen was referred to Communities In Schools in the 9th grade, a year he had to repeat when it became clear he wouldn’t have enough credits to graduate during the 2007- 2008 school year, as he had hoped.

Thanks to the caring adults in his life – including Sutton and the rest of the Communities In Schools of North Texas family, and Stephen’s parents, who have worked together to help their son on his journey – Stephen is now on a different path.  It’s a path that has already led him to the state capital in Austin to receive the Student of the Year award in the annual Best of Texas ceremony honoring excellence in education.  And it will take him across another stage in June to receive his high school diploma.

Stephen is grateful to those who have supported him and admits he couldn’t have done it alone.  According to Sutton, Stephen has benefited from “pretty much everything” the Communities In Schools affiliate provides in the way of services since he was referred in the 9th grade.  “He’s in my office every opportunity he has, whether for tutoring, Friday salsa class or setting up and participating in every event we have,” she laughed.

Through Communities In Schools of North Texas, Stephen has had mentors since the 9th grade.  He participated in a Saturday online class to make up his missing credits.  He also received after-school tutoring; eyeglasses when it was discovered that he is nearsighted; dental services; school supplies; holiday assistance; guidance on class electives; college visits; and assistance with college and financial aid applications.  When the lack of credits delayed his graduation, Stephen developed a game plan with Sutton to quickly get back on track.

Renee Simpson, Stephen’s mom, recalls discussing with her son the possibility of his obtaining a GED.  Stephen decided he’d rather walk across the stage with the rest of his class to receive his diploma.  He wanted to make his parents proud, and he wanted to do it for himself.  It took encouragement, resolve and hard work.  It took the knowledge that others cared for and had created a safety net for him.

“In the time I’ve worked with Stephen, he’s gone from not really caring about school to being a permanent fixture there.  Denton has become his second home,” said Sutton.  Stephen’s plans after graduation include going to college and being involved in the creative arts – music, painting and writing.  Everyone around Stephen agrees that he’s an exceptional young man who made a clear choice to stay in school and focus on his future.

Stephen’s experience with Communities In Schools has inspired him to want to give back.  “Working with Communities In Schools to stay in school has been a life lesson.  It helped me be a man of my word and commit to something important,” he said.  “I can see myself trying to help other people reach their dreams and goals.  I want to give just as much as I’ve been given, if not more.”

June 2009