Job Corps Library Club Members Hear Acclaimed Author

On Thursday, September 20, the Library Club members at Dr. Benjamin L. Hooks Job Corps Academy were privileged to meet Mr. Jack Gantos at the University of Memphis.

Several weeks prior to the event, the students and educators participating in the event all over the state were sent a copy of his memoir, “Hole in My Life, “ along with curriculum material. In “Hole in My Life, “ the acclaimed author of over 30 books for young people confronts the period of struggle and confinement that marked the end of his own youth. Once he finds himself locked up in a small, yellow-walled cell, he moves from wanting to be a writer to writing, and this newfound dedication helps him endure the worst experience of his life.

Mr. Gantos was an engaging and interesting speaker. The students were thrilled with the opportunity to personally spend time with the author asking questions, taking pictures, and having their copy of his memoir “Hole in My Life” autographed. After the event, the students enjoyed dining at the Holiday Inn restaurant on the U of M campus.

Library Club sponsors are Mrs. E.Maria Morlan, Mr. Tyrome Jamerson,; and Ms. Regina Morris

A Back to School Parent Conference and Retreat

The parents of Dr. Benjamin L. Hooks Job Corps Academy sponsored a “Back to School Parent Conference and Retreat” entitled “All Hands on Deck for School Success” on Friday, September 14 at Whispering Woods Hotel and Conference Center in Olive Branch. Mississippi. Parents, teachers and community leaders were on hand to enjoy exciting topics and interesting information. A session on college preparation was presented by Secondary Supervisor for Guidance and Counseling Sonia Sanes; a Gang Awareness and Gang Violence workshop was presented by Ron Pope from Student Support Services,  and Health Awareness was presented by Dr. Nieke Parks from Nutrition and Health Services.

Trevor Thompson from Parent Community Engagement Office was the keynote speaker and workshop presenter on Parent Burn-out.

The event culminated with parents and community leaders convening a subcommittee to elect PTP and School Leadership Council officers for the 2007-08 school year.