The Star-Ledger
Thursday, June 23, 2005
By Jordan M. Doronila, Star-Ledger Staff
They rose above dilemmas to earn their diplomas
On the third evening of rehabilitation, Randolph teenager Adam Willard dreamed of getting high with his buddy with bags of heroin and cocaine.
Willard awoke and went to his counselor wondering if rehab was really working. He was told to consult a "higher power," so he did.
"The higher power told me to cut the crap," said Willard, 19, referring to using drugs.
Drugs, bad friends and the desire to fit in with the popular crowd changed Willard from being a stellar student in school to being a dropout. Now, Willard is drug free and a high school graduate.
Yesterday, Willard addressed his classmates during the commencement ceremony for NewBridge Services' 70001 JOBS PLUS, a program that provides troubled youths with a general equivalency diploma and a job or placement at a college or trade school.
"Failure does not determine our lives and destiny," said Willard. "We do."
A total of 37 youths from Morris County municipalities received their diplomas and awards in front of a cheering crowd of over 150 people at the Boonton Elks Lodge No. 1405. All had dropped out of traditional area high schools because of academic or personal problems.
Staff members handed out awards and diplomas to the young graduates who, as the went up to receive them, exchanged hugs with staff members. Their family members applauded and screamed, "Yeah!"
Graduates said they were happy and relieved to finally move on with their lives.
Dana McCann, 18, of Lincoln Park, said, "It feels good to get the diploma. It's good to grow up finally."
"I want to go to college," said Kristelle Marshall, 17, of Morristown. "I want to go further in my life."
NewBridge's 70001 JOBS PLUS, begun in 1983, provides a second chance for Morris County students between the ages of 16 to 21 by teaching them in groups and individually, providing job training and job placement assistance.
Bob Parker, executive director, said it's the longest-running program of its kind in Morris County. Many of the students have dealt with domestic abuse, drug abuse, criminal activity or early pregnancy, he said.
To help the teenagers succeed, an educational coordinator creates individual education plans; a job developer acts as a liaison between students, businesses and community groups; a pre-employment trainer helps students compile their resume, learn interview techniques and search for a job; and a clinical case manager helps students learn life skills.
NewBridge Services, a community organization based in Pompton Plains, has provided health-related services and education programs to Morris and Passaic county residents since 1963 in order to bring balance to their lives.
Willard said no one should feel ashamed of getting a diploma through this program. He said high school isn't for everybody-but an education is.
"It's the biggest relief," said Willard about receiving his diploma. "It's another chapter that I can close in my life."
Willard said he plans to attend Morris County College and then transfer to a four-year college, possibly Towson, George Washington or American universities, to study business entertainment or just business. Eventually, he said, he would like to start his own business.
Jordan Doronila may be reached at jdoronila@starledger.com or (973) 539-7910.
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