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Michael Atkins : From Custodian To Principal

Colorado native, Michael Atkins has proven anything is possible by moving his way up from custodian to principal of Stedman Elementary School.

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Michael Atkins : From Custodian To Principal
Photo credit: Michael Atkins

Colorado Native, Michael Atkins, has proven anything is possible by moving his way up from custodian to principal.

Michael Atkins inspiring story

Atkins, who is now Stedman Elementary School’s new principal, has spent more than three decades as a part of the Denver Public Schools System.

His first job was as a student, with no plans to stick around after graduation.

“Growing up in Park Hill, there weren’t many positive influences and/or opportunities in the neighborhood. So, I didn’t really have any aspirations to be in education,” said Atkins.

From custodian to principal

But after realizing his passion for working with kids, his plans changed. Shortly after, he applied to the Denver Public School system where he landed a job as a custodian.

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“I was the part-time custodian at Smiley Middle School which is now McAuliffe,” said Atkins.

The part-time gig became full-time employment, and Atkins said he enjoyed his work.

“There were times where I got comfortable within my custodial position, and I loved the work. I loved the people that I met. I was still able to be in front of youth. But I knew that was just the first chapter of my journey,” said Atkins.

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When Atkins reflected on his journey from custodian to principal, he remembers some advice his grandmother gave him when he was a child.

“Don’t let someone write your story; make sure you write your own story. And if someone has something to do with your story, let them edit it, do not let them create it,” said Atkins.

As Atkins prepares for a new school year, he hopes to help edit dozens of unique stories that each student will carry with them as they walk through Stedman’s doors.


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Unheard Voices Magazine is a news reporting platform covered under Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research.

Unheard Voices is an award-winning news magazine that started in 2004 as a local Black newsletter in the Asbury Park, Neptune, and Long Branch, NJ areas to now broaden into a recognized Black online media outlet. They are the recipient of the NAACP Unsung Hero Award and CV Magazine's Innovator Award for Best Social Justice Communications Company.

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Culture

“Philly in Paris” Collective needs your help to send Philly youth to Paris

Philly in Paris: Youth Travel Abroad” was formed and created as a hands-on and innovative solution to the violence epidemic that Philly youth face.

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Philly in Paris: Youth Travel Abroad

Philly in Paris is seeking the public’s support in sending some Philadelphia youth to Paris.

About Philly in Paris

The collective supports youth with violent prevention and conflict resolution through travel.

Organizers are looking to give the youth cultural experiences that include history tours, museums, and leadership development activities.

“Philly in Paris: Youth Travel Abroad” was formed and created as a hands-on and innovative solution to the violence epidemic that Philly youth face.

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Led by various organizations and individuals, the collective’s goal is to take Philly’s youth on global excursions, beginning with Paris, to increase their exposure to the world and the world’s exposure to them.

GoFundMe

“We believe that in helping young people to explore diverse perspectives through travel, we can contribute to peacebuilding in Philadelphia”, the GoFundMe reads.

The GoFundMe outlines expenses such as airfare, lodging, and ground transportation.

To learn more about the initiative and to donate, visit the GoFundMe.


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Unheard Voices Magazine is a news reporting platform covered under Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research.
See also  Black Engineer Lonnie Johnson reveals two energy saving inventions

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Education

The College Gurl Foundation inspires underserved minorities to pursue higher education opportunities

The College Gurl Foundation inspires underserved minorities to pursue higher education opportunities.

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The College Gurl Foundation College tour
GoFundMe

The College Gurl Foundation (CGF) was founded by Jessica Brown in 2017 to support underserved minority students within Washington, DC by providing them their first experience with college, educational programs, scholarships, recreational programs, and mentorship opportunities that create life-changing experiences.

About The College Gurl Foundation (CGF) and college tour

Since 2017, CGF has partnered with AT&T, Dark & Lovely, DC DOES Office of Youth Program, and the Department of Parks and Recreation. As a result of the impactful work, CGF has awarded over $150,000 in scholarships, has a 100% graduation rate from high school, 90% enrollment in college, and 10% of our students have secured professional careers.

GoFundMe

The College Gurl Foundation (CGF) is raising funds for the annual college tour.

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“The goal of this tour is to inspire underserved minority DMV students to pursue higher education opportunities as many of our students are the first in their families to consider college,” the GoFundMe reads.

This year, the organization aims to provide 26 students the opportunity to attend the 6 institution visit tour in the Southeast region, giving them a real-world experience of campus life and the possibilities that higher education can offer.

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“We are hoping to raise $50,000 to cover for travel, lodging, activities, and food accommodations. Our students are from underserved areas within the Washington Metropolitan area. Hence, without CGF they will not have the opportunity to experience this.”

For this initiative, CGF has started a GoFundMe. If you wish to support this worthy cause, please visit the fundraiser here.


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Education

Texas educator blinded following student incident, GoFundMe started

Texas educator Candra Rogers was seriously injured by a student during a classroom altercation, making her lose her right eye. A GoFundMe has been started to help with recovery expenses.

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Candra Rogers
Candra Rogers (Photo Source: GoFundMe)

On August 15, Texas educator Candra Rogers was seriously injured by a student during a classroom altercation, making her lose sight in her right eye. A GoFundMe has been started to help with recovery expenses.

“This is an arduous situation and will take time. Please continue to pray for me, my family, my school, and my district, even the child who caused this incident and his family,” the fundraiser reads.

TX Educator Loses Sight in Right Eye

Rogers, an assistant principal at at Collins Intermediate School, was responding to a call for assistance from a behavioral teacher when she found one student who had reportedly been assaulted by a classmate outside the classroom with the teacher and other students.

Upon entering the classroom, Rogers encountered an “irate” student in a “ransacked” room. Despite her attempts to de-escalate the situation, the student threw multiple chairs and ultimately a wooden hanger. The hanger struck Rogers in the right eye and knocked it out of its socket, causing Rogers to be airlifted to a Dallas hospital for emergency surgery. School officials released the student into the custody of his parents and have prohibited him from returning to campus.

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“I grabbed my face while blood was pouring out of my head and stumbled out of the classroom door,” Rogers recounted in a press conference. Doctors were able to reinsert her eye, but they believe the damage is permanent, and Rogers may ultimately lose the eye entirely.

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“I will have to have an additional surgery to repair my eyelid, and because doctors are believing my blindness to be permanent, removing my eye may have to be an option,” Rogers said. “I still believe in God for a miracle for restoration of my sight.”

Rogers has been surrounded by her loving husband and children as they help her during this difficult, trying recovery process.

To donate towards Rogers recovery, visit the GoFundMe page here.


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Unheard Voices Magazine is a news reporting platform covered under Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research.

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