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Improved attendance pays off for Lamont teens
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Posted by gabe Tue Nov 30, 1999 00:00:00 PST
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0 responses 0 comments Christmas came early this year for two Nueva Continuation High School students in Lamont.

In mid-December, 17-year-olds Natalie Garza and Pablo Valdez, both 4.0 GPA students, were recognized for their improved attendance by the Truancy Reduction and Attendance Coalition of Kern (TRACK) program.

In front of students, teachers, community members and parents, Garza was given a desktop computer and Valdez received a portable stereo system, both donated by Jim Burke Ford, a community partner of TRACK.

The two were selected from the entire Kern High School District by TRACK, which focuses on keeping students in school.

Organized by the Kern County Superintendent of Schools, TRACK is made possible through representatives from schools, the District Attorney’s Office, Probation Department, the courts and businesses.

“This is more than just about attendance,” said Deputy District Attorney Wendy Avila. “Both Natalie and Pablo have overcome obstacles and have corrected their mistakes.”

At one point, it was unclear whether Garza and Valdez would finish school.

“I got kicked out of Arvin because I wasn’t going. I felt like a horrible kid when that happened,” Garza said. “But I have overcome that and I know I want to move on and go to college.”

Garza was ordered by the court to attend school reguarly or face serious consequences. She enrolled at Nueva and has never turned back.

Her next goal?

She plans to graduate in 2006 and attend Bakersfield College to become a nurse.

A bout with drugs and Juvenile Hall woke up Valdez.

By the time he was 13, Valdez was caught up in meth. That, in turn, led him on a downward spiral. He began skipping school, and he landed in Juvenile Hall for drug use. After spending 7-1/2 months in a juvenile correctional facility, he realized he never wanted to return to life behind bars.

“Drugs were controlling me, but I changed for myself and my family,” Pablo said.

Joanne Barrick, guidance counselor, said both students are on track to graduate.

“Both of them are fantastic,” she said. “Originally we had to chase Natalie down, but now she comes every day.”

TRACK looked throughout the district to find a pair of students who have not only improved their attendance but have overcome obstacles and become role models, organizers said.

“I am so excited and so surprised. I wanted a computer for Christmas, and I got one,” Garza said. “It will be extremely useful to me, especially while in college.”

While Garza broke down in tears from the emotional surprise, Valdez could not remove the look of shock from his face.

“I didn’t know it was going to happen. I was surprised,” Valdez said. “My advice for other students is to stay in school and get ahead in life.”

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