There were plenty of familiar faces Sunday afternoon when the Parent University Program held its graduation ceremonies. Five of the graduates were lining up for the seventh time, and only a dozen of the 56 who collected diplomas were first timers.
Sunday’s ceremony was held at John H. Woodson Junior High. Parent University is a program run by the St. Croix School District, featuring a series of informational workshops for parents focused on improving parental and community involvement.
“We need to be more involved in our children’s schools. Don’t talk the talk, but walk the walk,” begged four-time graduate Brendalee Simmonds-Springer, speaking about the impact the classes have had on her life. From ‘sexting’ to cyber-bullying, to lessons about gangs, she shared her experience and thirst for knowledge as a parent with the crowd.
“Don’t blame the government, blame ourselves," she said. "We need to come out in solidarity and fight the war. Come in a mass and unite as one and show them we want to take our children back.”
Senate President Ronald Russell said he is grateful for the program, and encouraged parents to continue their involvement.
“Parents are the first leaders in a community. After parents, it’s teachers and then the community. But you – parents – instill the children’s values,” he said.
The increasing number of men in the program was noted by several speakers.
Joseph Brow moved to St. Croix six months ago from Dominica, and is acting as a single parent while the mother of his son remains away. He said he felt he needed to get all the education he could about being a parent on the island.
“I feel it’s important to learn all that I can and to give back to the community. I plan to attend again,” he said.
Peter P. Bethelmy, who has graduated four times, acts as a sort of role model for new men coming in because he knows the program well.
“I originally came because I wanted to see what it was all about, and then I liked it, and keep coming back. I have learned a lot, and think other men should attend,” he said.
Melburne Malleke Morris attended for his first time and found that he was pleasantly surprised with the classes.
“I have a 6-month old baby girl at home," he said. "I learned a lot and it changed my perspective about how to deal with certain situations. The class made me think about how I will raise my daughter differently, and if it’s true that daughters are likely to date men like their fathers, then I really want to be a good role model.”
Since the Parent University Program started in March 2009 there have been 279 graduates, and several students have gone on to get their GEDs, while six others have enrolled at the University of the Virgin Islands. Additionally, graduates have started their own businesses and one has written a children’s book.
Juliet Davis, a seventh-time graduate is simply trying to find a publisher for her book, which she completed as a result of Parent University.
“The program changed my life. There’s always something new in each cycle, and I’ve noticed since I started attending I am more focused with my kids. And it’s even changed their lives – their grades have all gone up,” she said.
Earlene Wagner has gone through the program four times with the hope that it will help spawn her own business endeavors – she makes crochet dresses for dolls, and feels that the class has made a difference in her and her children’s lives.
Success stories make the program worth it, said Janet Brow, district director of School Community Relations and Parent University Coordinator. At one of the graduations, some of Davis’ children got on stage and told the crowd how much their lives have changed for the better since their mother got involved.
“There are a lot of situations where parents have become more involved in their communities, but the end result is really student success,” Brow said.
Also speaking at Sundays program were Angeli Ferdschneider, special assistant to the governor, Lt. Gov. Gregory Francis, USVI PTSA President Alvin Bedneau and St. Croix Deputy Superintendent Janine Schuster. Sandra Phaire was master of ceremonies.
Further information about the program can be obtained by calling Janet Brow at 773-1095, ext. 7094.
