and Marquel turned 13 on May 19th.
There are only two weeks of school left and the girls are ready for summer vacation.
Last night the school had an award ceremony and they were insistent that Marquel should be there. The awards were sponsored by the San Antonio Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. They gave 5 awards for Most Improved Academic Skills, Most Improved Attendance, Best Citizenship, Perfect Attendance and Most Outstanding Student.
Marquel received the award for Most Improved Academic Skills!
What a remarkable achievement for a little girl who did not attend school before she came to San Antonio courtesy of Hurricane Katrina. Her first school year in San Antonio was hit and miss as her mother did not appreciate education. Repeating 3rd grade was a struggle. In order to do a math problem we had to go back to 1st grade math and work up so that she could do each problem. Weekends were spent doing Math and Math and more Math.
(Randy apologizes for the poor quality picture.
We did not know about this until 3pm on Friday
so he took the picture with his phone.)
Thanks to great teachers, wonderful friends and her own desire to learn, she made it through. I'll never forget walking into her school when the results were in for her 5th grade Math test. Her teacher was beaming as she told me that Marquel had some good news for me.
I don't know that Marquel really understands what you all have done for her, but I want you all to know that your love and support have helped bring her from failing 3rd grade to the AB Honor Roll and awards such as Most Improved (we think she probably qualified for Perfect Attendance as well!).
People tell us what a wonderful thing we are doing, but we want you all to know that we could not do this without each and every one of you. Everyone has their own talents to give; time, money, or love and support, each of which helps us help them.
Until next time . . .
Stephanie & Randy & kids
