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ACE Student Makes it Big Time!

Eldrick Bone is a recent graduate from Los Angeles High School. EduCare is very proud of his growth and learning, so we asked him to share some of his story. He took a little time out of his busy college life to answer a few questions from our roving reporter. As you read on, his answers will say it all.

How has being involved in the ACE Program influenced you?

The best way to answer this question is by describing my high school experience. I first took ACE in the middle of my 9th grade, in January 2004. I was doing badly in school at that time. I was cutting classes and getting “D’s” and “F’s”. ACE came just in time. After the program, I had friends who “had my back” in school and with problems I wanted to talk about. I was almost held back in the 9th grade and that was even more of an eye opener. Luckily, my counselor let me go on and I vowed to myself that I would do better. And so I did. By my senior year, I was Senior Class President and Student Body President of A-Track, while taking Advanced Placement classes. I was also the chairman of the Issues Committee, in which we worked to better the school by addressing important issues to the administrators, parents and even the School district. I like to think I did very well for myself. Now, I am attending California State University, Northridge majoring in Psychology with a minor in Broadcasting. I can’t really think of this being possible if I hadn’t taken ACE. It really helped me step into the direction I needed to go and just look at me now.

How would you best explain the ACE Program to other students who haven’t taken it before?

ACE is an amazing experience. In the course of 3 days, you have an opportunity to gain many new friends that you will get to see once you go back to school. You have someone to wave to in the hallways and maybe even someone to hang out with during lunch. You get to meet some of your teachers and see them in a whole new way. Instead of having your teachers give you assignments, grades, and lectures, you gain a friend, someone to crack a joke with, be silly with, and hang out with for a week or maybe the rest of your high school years. You learn so much about yourself and others. You get teamwork skills, leadership skills, and a boost in self-esteem if you need it. Most importantly, YOU HAVE FUN! No Stressful assignments, no punishments, and no barriers. Oh yea, and the food is great too.

Has ACE changed the environment at L.A. High, and if so, how would you describe it?

It most definitely had a positive change on LA High students. There is an atmosphere created in the ACE program in which students bond and find it ok to say “hi” to each other or even meet new people. After the program is over, the students bring that atmosphere back to LA High. Maybe the whole school isn’t stepping out of their comfort zone like the ACE students are, but I would say 300+ students a year ain’t bad. Not to mention the better relationships they create with their own friends and families. It’s like paying it forward.

Can you tell us your favorite ACE story?

There was a Russian teacher whose last name I’m not even going to try to spell, but we referred to him as Mr. K. In the 9th grade, I had a really bad experience with him. A girl in front of me was talking to me, but instead of telling her to be quiet, he sent me to the Deans’ Office. I had no record in the Deans’ Office until he sent me. I tried to explain to them what happened but they just ignored me and it went on my record. The next day, he had the nerve to apologize. “Like that’s gonna erase my record now,” is what I thought. Turns out I was a Resource Group leader with him at ACE. This was my 3rd time assisting at ACE so I had learned to love situations like these. When I first saw him, I remember telling myself “Please don’t pair me up with him!” and just like that he was with me. I was a little upset at first but I knew this would be a good experience for me. Little did I know, he was really funny. I remember when he gave really good advice to a question and he got along with the group very well. I saw a whole different side of him and loved him. Everyday I saw him at school after that ACE; I made sure I greeted him in the hallways.

What have you learned about yourself through the ACE Program?

It’s really hard to list everything I learned, so I’ll give you the top 5:

1. I have what it takes to accomplish what I want.
2. I have a lot of love to give.
3. I am a phenomenal leader who is not afraid to step into his leadership and take control.
4. I love to be challenged myself.
5. I am not afraid to step out of my comfort zone.

Anything else you would like to add?

I just want to thank Stu Semigran for teaching me so much about life and continuing to believe in me. Also, thanks to Frank Vitale for presenting ACE to my Life Skills class, which if he had not, I would have never gotten into such a great program. And to all the teachers such as Felecia Perez who took ACE and encouraged other students on a daily basis.

The Ace Program at Los Angeles High School began in late 2003 and has since reached 2,000 students in grades nine through twelve. Special thanks to the many teachers and administrators at L.A. High for their ongoing support and continued dedication to these wonderful students.