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'I didn't think this day would come,' Rosenwald grad says

John M. Setzler Jr. | Hickory Daily Record

Catawba Rosenwald Principal Tim Conaway speaks to graduates Wednesday

By Sarah Newell Williamson | Hickory Daily Record

Published: June 11, 2009

CATAWBA - A few months ago, Brittany Pope didn't think graduating from high school was a possibility.

"I didn't think this day would come," the 18-year-old said. "I just didn't care about school."

But on Wednesday, Pope and six others graduated from Catawba Rosenwald School.

Pope pushed herself because she wanted to earn her high school diploma.

"I wanted to prove people wrong, that I could do something," she said.

She transferred to Catawba Rosenwald School six years ago. Pope said she was sent to Catawba Rosenwald because she didn't listen to her teachers and had health issues. She's glad that now she can say she has her diploma. In the fall, she plans to go to Catawba Valley Community College and continue her education.

Catawba Rosenwald School is an alternative school for exceptional children in the seventh through 12th grades.

Catawba Rosenwald Principal Tim Conaway said the graduates of the school have something they can value forever.

"Your diploma is far more important than the driver's license you hold in such high esteem," he said. "It cannot be revoked or taken away."

Conaway said it may have taken some "bribing, threatening and remediation," from the school staff and the students' families to get the students to graduate, but it was done because they love the students.

Graduating senior Carlos Rodriguez said he is grateful for the principal and teachers at Catawba Rosenwald. He has been at the school for two years.

"I'm the hardest worker. They call me 'King Cobra,'" he said, in reference to the school mascot, the cobras. "The teachers really help you. They work one-on-one and help you."

During the graduation ceremony, the graduating class was commended for not giving up, and getting their high school degree. Lamar Mitchell, director of Champions of Education, said having a diploma will benefit them greatly.

"Just by getting a diploma, there will be so many doors open for you that wouldn't be open otherwise," he said. "You had the ability to delay gratification for a future reward. You're to be congratulated for sticking it out this far."

Mitchell told the students that even though they have one foot into adulthood, they shouldn't be afraid to ask for help.

"If we can all help each other, we'll be better off. We all need help at one time or another in our lives.

The more comfortable we are with asking for help, the more comfortable we are with giving it," he said. "Your community wants you to succeed. If you just ask, there are plenty of people who will help."