Motivate

The graduation rate for Florida high schools last year was 73-percent, a figure the state would like to improve. To do so.. most school systems have drop-prevention programs. Each is designed to help students get back on the right track and headed in the right direction. Bill has more in Assignment: Education.)

We have the story of a former dropout, who is now working hard to make the grade. He has a message for other young people who are struggling to find meaning in school.

--[Teacher says:] "She's on scaffolding. Why?"--

English-Three class at Northeast High School, in St. Petersburg. In this class is Jake Leone. Three-years ago.. in the middle of his Sophomore year.. you wouldn't have seen Jake in any class.

--[Student Jake Leone says:] "I dropped out of school. Initially, I started hanging out with the wrong crowd. My grades were really bad. I didn't have much of an interest in my future."--

One person who saw Jake's slide is guidance counselor Penny Miller.

--[Guidance Counselor Penny Miller:] "I mean he had been a pain to himself and academically. I mean forward two and backwards three."--

For a year-and-ahalf Jake Leone did nothing. Then one day.. after an emotional talk with his mother.. he decided to change his life.

--[Leone says:] "I woke up one day right before my 18-th birthday that I came back to school and just saw that I wasn't really going to go anywhere without comin' back to school and taking my education further."--

And so in the fall of '96.. he went back. It hasn't been easy. Jake has doubled-up on classes and gone to night -and- summer school, but he will graduate this year.
Penny Miller says Jake's turnaround is a good example of something she preaches to students who are feeling lost.

--[Miller says:] "Just keep goin'. I'm always kiddin'.. What are you gonna do? Sit on the sofa and eat baloney sandwiches the rest of your life? What do you want? Okay.. what is it going to take to get there."--

And what does Jake to say to them..?

--[Leone says:] "I just try to explain to them don't lose track of your goals. You know, don't give up, because it's not worth it."--

Bill Ratliff, Newschannel 8.

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