Valedictorian is a shining testament to herself and her school
It is said, "It takes a village to raise a child."
Brittney Smith,17, overcame daunting hardships and surmounted life-altering obstacles that would have hindered the progress of many a child, and indeed, an adult. Our district's "Village," the Carlsbad Village Academy (CVA), helped Brittney rise to become valedictorian of her Class of 2011 and future helper of humanity.
Brittney's journey is a testament to her perseverance. Her success also is a testament to CVA staff members, who care deeply about each student under their wing, and to our District, which provides sites and staff with the flexibility to meet the diverse needs of students.
When Brittney arrived at the CVA's continuation high school program two years ago, she was in need. She had endured difficult life experiences and bounced around various schools, including the School of Business and Technology in Oceanside, which abruptly closed, leaving staff and students in the lurch. Then, she attended both Oceanside High and a virtual school. For the latter, she walked four miles daily each way to the site to access a computer, which she did not have at home.
Lacking credits and inspiration, in the summer before her junior year, Brittney visited Carlsbad High, fearing she might have to repeat her sophomore year to make up credits. After discussing the situation with Brittney and her mom, a teacher referred her to the CVA, where she would be able to fulfill her goals of graduating on time and progressing to college.
Now, having graduated not simply on time but early, this positive, energetic and spirited young woman plans to attend San Diego-based Pacific College of Oriental Medicine in pursuit of a doctorate in acupuncture, massage and herbal medicine.
"I want to spread positive energy to help people heal," she explains. "I want to help people escape the whirlpool of negativity that can descend upon them."
Confidence Can Work Wonders
Guidance Counselor Julia Redfield marvels at Brittney's inner strength.
"She has made an incredible transformation; as a student and as a human being," Redfield said. "She went from feeling like nothing had ever worked out for her and that everyone and everything was against her, to being a shining example. She helped not only herself, but so many others here at school."
Brittney beams at the praise, saying, "I want to show kids that no matter how far down the wrong path a person can go, you can always change. You can always get out of the hole. You can always go a different and better way."
Thanks to her confidence in herself, and to the CVA's confidence in her, the world is open to Brittney Smith, and Brittney Smith is prepared for and enthusiastically open to the world.
It really does take a village to raise a child. I'm proud to live in a community and work with people who care enough to work together for all our kids.
It is said, "It takes a village to raise a child."
Brittney Smith,17, overcame daunting hardships and surmounted life-altering obstacles that would have hindered the progress of many a child, and indeed, an adult. Our district's "Village," the Carlsbad Village Academy (CVA), helped Brittney rise to become valedictorian of her Class of 2011 and future helper of humanity.
Brittney's journey is a testament to her perseverance. Her success also is a testament to CVA staff members, who care deeply about each student under their wing, and to our District, which provides sites and staff with the flexibility to meet the diverse needs of students.
When Brittney arrived at the CVA's continuation high school program two years ago, she was in need. She had endured difficult life experiences and bounced around various schools, including the School of Business and Technology in Oceanside, which abruptly closed, leaving staff and students in the lurch. Then, she attended both Oceanside High and a virtual school. For the latter, she walked four miles daily each way to the site to access a computer, which she did not have at home.
Lacking credits and inspiration, in the summer before her junior year, Brittney visited Carlsbad High, fearing she might have to repeat her sophomore year to make up credits. After discussing the situation with Brittney and her mom, a teacher referred her to the CVA, where she would be able to fulfill her goals of graduating on time and progressing to college.
Now, having graduated not simply on time but early, this positive, energetic and spirited young woman plans to attend San Diego-based Pacific College of Oriental Medicine in pursuit of a doctorate in acupuncture, massage and herbal medicine.
"I want to spread positive energy to help people heal," she explains. "I want to help people escape the whirlpool of negativity that can descend upon them."
Confidence Can Work Wonders
Guidance Counselor Julia Redfield marvels at Brittney's inner strength.
"She has made an incredible transformation; as a student and as a human being," Redfield said. "She went from feeling like nothing had ever worked out for her and that everyone and everything was against her, to being a shining example. She helped not only herself, but so many others here at school."
Brittney beams at the praise, saying, "I want to show kids that no matter how far down the wrong path a person can go, you can always change. You can always get out of the hole. You can always go a different and better way."
Thanks to her confidence in herself, and to the CVA's confidence in her, the world is open to Brittney Smith, and Brittney Smith is prepared for and enthusiastically open to the world.
It really does take a village to raise a child. I'm proud to live in a community and work with people who care enough to work together for all our kids.