PLEASANT GROVE CHURCH
On 01/17/15 the Dream Academy youth and adults were given the opportunity to learn about the concept of “Spark” and begin to explore their own personal sparks. Through participation in the first Step-It-Up-2-Thrive (SIU2T) lesson, they learned about their passions and the passions of their peers, and the impact that identifying and growing sparks can have on their life trajectory. Research shows that knowing and nurturing your spark will help you be happier and more successful in life. The research also shows that 1/3 of youth have not yet figured out what their spark is. That is ok, though. Through participation in the Dream Academy and SIU2T, young people will be given the tools and opportunity to learn about their sparks and much more.
On 12/20/14 the Dream Academy had its year-end celebration. We also welcomed back the first three graduates
of the academy. The alumni of the Dream Academy shared their college experiences with the current students and told them how some of the training that they received from the academy were very beneficial and instrumental during their first semesters of college. Their presence renewed our commitment and reminded us of the importance of the Dream Academy. This was a great way to end 2014!"
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On Saturday 11/15/14 the Dream Academy had its monthly session. The students teamed up with the Mission Ministry of PGC to assemble hygiene kits to be delivered to the Urban Ministries of Durham during their annual Thanksgiving meal dinner. The students of the Dream Academy are making a positive contribution in their local communities. They are also learning how to be good stewards of their resources. In addition, the students attended a rendition of the play Dream Girls presented by the Hillside High School Drama Department in Durham North Carolina.
On Saturday 10/18/14 the Dream Academy had its monthly session. The topic was "Goal Setting and Life Skills". We had two facilitators, Martha Okwakol and Dennis English. The conversation started with the students being asked to verbalize what they wanted in life, what are some of their talents and abilities. The students were giving a tracking sheet to record their answers. The students were instructed on how to effectively use the tracking sheet to help them to clearly state their goals, monitor their progress and ensure that they are staying on task. In addition, they were reminded of the role that parents, dream partners and spark champions play in helping them to successfully achieve their dream.
On 9/20/14 the Dream Academy held its monthly educational session at Pleasant Grove Church. The topic was "College Preparedness". This dynamic seminar was facilitated by Dr. Mabel Mathews, former Director for the Office of Education Infrastructure Division at NASA, and Jamal Woods, Cary High School Assistant Principal. Both panelists shared their expertise and various procedures necessary to prepare for college. The students were reminded of the essentials for success which are hard work, good study habits and strong work ethic. In addition, each student received a catalog and keepsake from Shaw University. This was a memorable educational program which will have a long lasting impact on the academic preparation and future of Dream Academy students.
On 8/16/14 the Dream Academy welcomed Deirdra C. Williams, Dean of Counseling and Student Services at Heritage High School in Wake Forest, N.C. This session was intended to educate our students along with their parents on the subject of bullying, and equip them with ways to effectively and safely respond to bullying. Her message included the different methods of bullying, the signs to look for and the role a bystander plays.
On 8/1/14 and 8/2/14 the Dream Academy, in partnership with Stem for Kids, held a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) Camp. The two day event, which was focused on designing and building like engineers, was attended by students of the Dream Academy and youth from the community. Participants were able to create their own catapults and design roller coasters.
On 6/ 24/ 2014 a total of 21 Dream Academy students along with five Chaperons/adults - Tonya, Musette, Keyla, Bonita, and Colette – attended an excursion at Defy Gravity in Durham NC. This was a chance for them to not only have fun but to see how science, specifically Gravity, plays a role in their everyday lives. The students actively jumped around for a little over an hour. On that same afternoon the Lego Robotics team – Corey, Brett, Gloria and Raeford – met the Lego Robotics students to review the student/parent agreement.
On 5/17/14 the Dream Academy had its monthly gathering. The topics were 'Values and Ethics' led by Sheila Forte-Trammell and Practicing Patience led by Tonya Ferrell. The students were divided into two groups: group A - ages 5 to 11 and group B - ages 12 to 18. The message was that success is a direct result of good values and ethics. Also, one must demonstrate patience even when facing difficult situation. Following the round table discussion the 'Dream Academy Lego-Robotics Team' had its initial meeting which stemmed from the January 18, 2014 Dream Academy meeting.
On 4/26/14 the Dream Academy held a Student and Parent Workshop entitled "Our Children and the Criminal Justice System". Our Speakers/Presenters were: Chaplain Yolanda Thompson and Judge Vince Rozier. The workshop’s purpose was to educate our students, particularly our teens, and the community at large on ways to help our children not to become a casualty of “The New Jim Crow.”
On 3/15/14 the Dream Academy held a ‘Three-Group-Session’ followed by a ‘One-on-One Partner/Student Session. The attendees were divided into three groups: 6 to 12, 13 to 18 and dream partners. The 6 to 12 year olds had training on proper nutrition and its benefits. The 13 to 18 year olds had a class on why genealogy is important and the first steps in researching one’s family tree. As for the dream partners, they were reminded of the significance of their contributions to this mentorship program. In the one-on-one session dream partners had candid discussions with their respective students to foster positive and engaging relationships.
On 2/22/14 the Dream Academy held a ‘career panel session’ followed by a ‘speed mentoring session’. We had 4 professionals: a lawyer, a pastor, a pediatrician and a doctor of veterinary medicine (Rev. Julie Bell, Rev. Dieuner Joseph, Dr. Jamila F. Fletcher, and Dr. Craig Fletcher). Each panelist passionately shared their determination and the pivotal moment that brought them to their respective profession. They also shared some intimate and challenging period and experiences along their journeys. During the speed mentoring session the dream academy students were able to engage on a more intimate discussion with the panelist of their choosing.
On 1/18/14 the Dream Academy welcomed Jamel Lynch an electrical engineering who currently runs ‘Nfinite Technologies’, an IT company. His message included, among other things, the discipline that one must possess to succeed. He impressed upon them the value that science and math play in the field of engineering. Jamel shared with them his love of inventions, his interest in ‘Lego robotics’, and how that helped with his creativity. At the conclusion of that session, the dream academy was inspired to launch a Lego robotic team.