BLAZERS PARTICIPATE IN WV HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION AND DROPOUT PREVENTION SUMMIT 

Members of the WV Blazers joined WV’s Governor and First Lady Manchin on July 14, 2009 in Charleston, WV to participate in the High School Graduation and Dropout Prevention Summit.  The Summit was coordinated by the Governor’s office in conjunction with America’s Promise.   Representatives from the State School Board, local Board of Education offices, Teachers, Principals, Truancy Officers, and many other community members who work with school aged youth were present to work on a solution to the serious problem of high school dropouts.  One third of American high school students drop out – an alarming rate in a global economy that requires Master’s Degrees or higher to keep up with current technology. 

Governor Manchin opened the Summit by stating his commitment to do what it takes to make sure our children stay in school and are well educated so that they can compete in the work market.  First Lady Manchin closed with remarks which demonstrated her passion for WV youth and the America’s Promise program (www.americaspromise.org) .

 During the Summit, group discussions were held in three areas – 1) What Causes Students to Drop Out; 2) What Can Be Done To Prevent Dropouts; and 3) What Programs are Currently Successful in Preventing Dropouts.  Among the causes of dropouts were drugs, lack of motivation and lack of parental support. Members of the Blazers were able to share with the group that they feel community involvement is a necessity in helping our kids stay in school and off drugs. 

Suggestions for solving the problem included more mentoring and use of positive role models to compensate for lack of parental involvement, or to compliment parents who are trying hard.   By serving as role models for youth, the Blazers are able to encourage kids to remain drug and crime free and to finish school.   Many youth can relate to athletes when they might not relate to teachers and authority figures.  

In discussion of successful programs, an overview of the Blazers program was shared with the group as an example of effective ways to reach kids and encourage them to graduate and continue their education past high school.  The Blazers are proud to be part of WV’s efforts to prevent high school dropouts and the America’s Promise program.