Forest Park Academy Graduates First Class

Desree Gates is congratulated by Superintendent Rita Bishop, as Forest Park principal Eric Anderson (center) looks on.
Desree Gates is congratulated by Superintendent Rita Bishop, as Forest Park principal Eric Anderson (center) looks on.

To the tune of “I Believe I Can Fly,” the first class to graduate from Forest Park Academy last Thursday received plaques indicating they would finish high school. Closing exercises for Forest Park opened on the site of a closed elementary school in northwest Roanoke, took place at Virginia Western Community College.

Forest Park is an alternative school for over-age students. Some had dropped out of school, others had fallen behind; all benefited from the smaller classes and extra attention at Forest Park. Some graduates were several years beyond typical high school senior age.

Principal Eric Anderson read from a poem that seemed to say it all: “When you’re up against the trouble, meet it squarely face to face.”  Most did; less than a dozen students dropped out during the school year. Another 17 could graduate with a high school diploma in August if they take and pass the Standards of Learning tests. Graduates wore their home school colors from William Fleming or Patrick Henry and could walk with those seniors during commencement exercises the next day if they chose to do so.

Teachers (foreground) and Forest Park graduates wait for closing exercises.
Teachers (foreground) and Forest Park graduates wait for closing exercises.

Anderson, hugged by many students when they came on stage to receive plaques, likened graduates to caterpillars last September. “You became new…you became adults [through a] molting process,” he added.

“With no work there will be no play,” said Reticia Washington, one of two students to address fellow students, Superintendent Rita Bishop, School Board Chairman David Carson, parents and well-wishers in attendance.  Washington thanked the academy “for allowing me a second chance…to better my life.”

Umeko Jones didn’t get far into her address before breaking into tears.  She was “honored and proud,” calling education “the memory of blood, sweat and tears. With a little hard work it can take me where I want to go.”  Jones recalled that she almost “gave up” on school before being lured back to Forest Park.

Bishop, who also put together an overage student academy in Lancaster, PA, said the 98 first year graduates that had all passed six SOL tests amounted to a feat that was “pretty impressive.”  Bishop praised the “courage” of the Roanoke City School Board for its decision to close Forest Park Elementary, despite neighborhood protests, and fund the academy.

She also mentioned some of the unique obstacles these returning students had to deal with – like raising children while going to school. “[Some] of you have faced challenges that are so overwhelming.”

“We have been truly amazed at what you accomplished this year,” Anderson said just before graduates came up on stage.

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