Looking Through a Mother’s Lens
Dear Cheryl and School on Wheels,
I would like to thank you and everyone for all that you do to help my son Darren. He has been through a struggle as you all know, and has come a long way since 8th grade. Darren works very hard to go to school and work every day. He will have to attend summer school to move on, but i am very proud of him. He has worked really hard in all his classes. He struggled in Chemistry.
Final grades are as follows:
English- 70
History- 78
Criminal Just. & Law- 95
Alga 2 & Trig H- 84
Chemistry- 60
P.E.-100
Intro to Art- 81
Art 2- 80
I would just like to thank this organization for all the support, help and financial aid you all have provided to us. We would not have been able to do all that we’ve done without you all. As a single parent it is hard to make ends meet. I know you all have helped in every way possible. SOW is very important!!! It really helps families in need. Steve Cerce has worked with Darren for many years and really has made a difference in Darren’s life. Thank you so much Steve for all your support and help. I want to keep Darren concentrated on his studies, even throughout the summer. He will continue to work hard for college. It is very important for him to succeed in life. I know he will do great. He is very excited about college and really wants to go. I really want to say thank you for everything, it means everything to us that you are involved in our lives. You make the difference. We feel like a part of a real family and feel special that you all care so much. I can’t wait until the day Darren graduates and hope you all will be there to celebrate my joy.
Thank you again,
Bonny Roper
Darren was one of the first students we worked with when we started the program at the Louison Center in Brockton in 2004. Darren was in the 6th grade and was failing half of his classes. His tutor Steve Cerce used to play chess with Darren at the end of the tutoring session to help build up his self-esteem and show him he was smart. Darren and Bonny moved 8 times between 6th and 8th grade. Bonny contacted us again when she moved into an apartment in Holbrook. When we reconnected with Darren and his mom we suggested Darren repeat 8th grade at his new school to set a strong foundation before going onto high school. They both agreed this was a good idea. Steve started working with Darren each week and Bonny set up regular school meetings to check in with his teachers and guidance counselor. I am happy to report that Darren made the honor roll in high school his freshman year and is planning on applying to the Bridgewater State University Scholar Program after his graduation in 2012.
-Cheryl Opper, Founder and Executive Director, School on Wheels of Massachusetts
