High School Student Shares His Story with Others

Contact: Laurie Hogan (336) 370-8307
Created: 10/1/2009 4:18:34 PM

Students at many of the district’s elementary and middle schools are listening to the stories of a high school student – someone who can relate to them. Deshawn Adams, a junior at The Middle College at GTCC-High Point, is on a self-created speaking tour through Guilford County Schools, sharing his stories and talking to students about the importance of goal-setting, listening to teachers and keeping a positive attitude.

During a recent presentation at Vandalia Elementary, his message resonated with fifth-grader Mya Neal. “I thought it was very good and it got into my heart,” she said. “It made me want to set higher goals when I get older and get a scholarship to different colleges.”

GCS principals invited Adams to their schools after hearing him speak at a retreat during the summer. He has participated in at least 12 student assemblies and faculty meetings.

Adams says he used to be a “bad student” who made a personal decision to stand out from his peers. As an adopted child, he says he struggled with his identity and needed strong male role models.

“In my situation, I didn’t always have the best people in my life that were helping me, but somehow I made the decision within myself that I wanted to shape my own destiny in spite of how other people may have viewed me, in spite of the way that I was behaving at the time.”

He is now a member of Superintendent Maurice “Mo” Green’s Student Advisory Council. With a 4.0 grade point average, he is also involved in student government and is on planning and advisory teams at his church. This past summer, he served as a page in the N.C. House of Representatives. He attributes his current success in part to the support he received from teachers. His principal at the middle college, Jennifer Topper, is encouraging him to pursue the speaking opportunities, because they provide valuable experience. Since middle college classes are in the afternoons, his mornings are open to speak at schools.

Talking to the younger students is helping Adams fulfill his ultimate goal – to make a difference in the lives of others. “I really am starting to learn how powerful it is to reach out to kids and how kids can be affected by mentors and people that are older.” For more information, click on the link below.

http://www.gcsnc.com/event_photos/10/deshawn.htm

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About Guilford County Schools

Guilford County Schools is the third largest school district in North Carolina serving more than 71,000 students at 120 schools. With approximately 10,000 employees, the district’s mission is to graduate responsible citizens prepared to succeed in higher education or the career of their choice. 

Guilford County Schools is a national leader in providing specialized schools and instructional programs designed to meet the educational needs of a culturally diverse citizenship.  For more information, visit the district’s Web site at www.gcsnc.com.