GREAT NEWS FROM BRIDGEPORT PUBLIC SCHOOLS
May 11, 2007
Upcoming Events

 

You’re invited to attend …

 
 
Thomas Hooker School ’s Annual Cabaret Program May 11th at 7:00 pm
$7 per ticket
$52 for a table of 8
 
****************************
 
Bridgeport Public Schools'
Education Forum
Featuring
Superintendent
Dr. John Ramos
“The Strategic Plan for Academic Achievement”
Tues., May 15
7:45 AM
Holiday Inn
$25 per ticket
For more information
call 331-0551
 

  
 
    
Felder Sisters Accepted to U.S. Military Academy Prep School
 
  
Harding High School seniors and twin sisters Raquel and Robin Felder have recently been accepted to the United States Military Academy Prep School (USMAPS).  Their basketball coach Robert Doss has encouraged them to apply to the school since their freshman year, but it wasn’t until their junior year that the Felder sisters began to seriously consider applying. 
  
USMAPS is located at Fort Monmouth, New Jersey.  As stated on its official website, “USMAPS is primarily an academic institution that accepts students and soldiers from diverse backgrounds and challenges them to meet and exceed West Point's rigorous admission standards. As a military school with a career focus, USMAPS also develops the foundation of professional and physical attributes needed for growth as an officer in the U.S. Army.”
  
The application process involved both an extensive written portion and a physical test.  While Raquel and Robin have looked at other schools, after visiting the USMAPS they both knew that it was the place for them.  “After visiting, I really liked the atmosphere and the people.  They were warm and welcoming, and I felt like they could become my family,” said Raquel.  Robin shared similar feelings. “The college really give you a lot of attention and is family oriented,” she said. “They help you succeed.”
  
The USMAPS program includes four years of college and five years of military service.    According to the USMAPS website, “West Point Prep prepares cadet candidates for West Point with a foundation that will last them beyond admission to the Academy and well into the future as leaders of character for the nation.”  At present, USMAPS has a graduation rate of 98 percent.
  
“It is one of the best schools in the country, and after our five years of service we want to be involved in the business world of the military,” said Raquel.  Both Felders plan to pursue accounting and financing, and look forward to the college experience.  “I’m looking forward to becoming an officer and the opportunities it opens up for me both in and out of the military,” said Robin.  “I am excited to learn new things, meet new people, experience different cultures and travel,” said Raquel. “I hope to make a difference somewhere.”
  
Robin also plans to study interior design at the Academy in hopes of pursuing this along with her business studies.  Raquel enjoys working with children, and one day hopes to become a coach or run a basketball camp. 
  
Congratulations to Robin and Raquel on their outstanding achievement! 
   

Davon Thomas Named National Merit Finalist
 
 
Congratulations to Harding High School senior Davon Thomas for his nomination as a National Merit finalist.  Davon was automatically qualified as a semifinalist based on his PSAT scores, and is the only finalist from Harding. 
  
Davon is competing in the National Achievement® Scholarship Program, an academic competition established in 1964 to provide recognition for outstanding Black American high school students.  According to the National Merit Scholarship Corporation, “Of the more than 130,000 students who currently enter the National Achievement® Program each year, approximately 4,600 are honored. A group of about 3,000 are referred to colleges for their potential for academic success. A smaller group of about 1,600 are named Semifinalists, the only students who have an opportunity to advance in the competition for Achievement Scholarship® awards.”  A total of 700 National Achievement $2500 Scholarships are awarded.
  
This recognition is a great honor for Davon. “It feels good being recognized for your achievements,” he said. “I think this recognition as a Nation Achievement Scholar has helped me get accepted to many of the schools I applied to.” Davon has already received the Charter Oak Scholarship through the Bridgeport Public Education Fund, in which he received a laptop, an adult mentor and $10,000 over four years.
  
Davon is an honor student and a tutor at Harding’s Parent Resource Center.  He plans to go to Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia to study Premed in hopes becoming a plastic surgeon.  “I look forward to the whole college life experience; starting over, meeting new people, living on campus and maybe even joining a fraternity,” he said. 
 
Thomas Hooker Students Meet NASA Astronaut
  
  
  
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) astronaut Captain Daniel C. Burbank of the United States Coast Guard spoke at Thomas Hooker School on Tuesday. 
  
Captain Burbank has been on two space missions for a total of 23 days in space.  According to his biography on NASA’s website, “Burbank has logged over 4,000 flight hours, primarily in Coast Guard helicopters, and has flown more than 1,800 missions including over 300 search and rescue missions.” He shared his experiences, photos and videos in a multimedia presentation.  Students caught a glimpse of what it is like to launch into space and learned about what it takes to become an astronaut.  Burbank also emphasized to students that three things are necessary to succeed in life: to work hard, be good and never give up.
  
Hooker School teacher and organizer of the visit, Ellen Majewski, said, “He is a man who has made a significant impact and I think it will be a great inspiration for the kids.”  Ellen Majewski describe this event as “something Captain Burbank considers a treat” to bring to Hooker School students.