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The Story of a Successful TIP Student

The Truancy Intervention Project is excited to share this wonderful story about a former TIP student that has made some remarkable strides since becoming involved with the Project. Aundrel Keith became involved in the Truancy Intervention Project during 2001-2002 school year with 50 unexcused absences and low academic performance.

While involved with the court, Aundrel had the support of his TIP volunteer David Forbes, former Fulton County Juvenile Court Educational Advocate, Kelly Farlander, Probation Officer, Harry Hudson, and Atlanta Public School Social Worker, Karell Winn, who all helped him as he embarked on his journey of success.

With the additional help, Aundrel got involved with the Transitional Program at Crim High School and participated in the first Georgia State Literacy Program over the summer to help him get back on track with his class work. The next school year he got involved in the Related Vocational Instruction program at Therrell High School through which he was able to obtain a job with ARAMARK Aviation Services as a cabin cleaner. Since his involvement with the Project in 2002, Aundrel made enormous progress and graduated from Therrell High School in May 2005.

"Aundrel is a hard working, dedicated and delightful young man who has pointed himself in the right direction. He will be a source of pride to himself and his family and an asset to his community as he continues on his journey," states Karell Winn. This young man shows how the dedication and commitment to obtaining an education can make a positive impact in one's life.

FAYDREN EDWARDS
When Faydren Edwards became involved in the Truancy Intervention Project, she was a teenager being raised by her single mother along with her younger sister and brother. Her mother, who is deaf, was caring for Faydren without the help of her father and as a result, was very hard on Faydren as the oldest child. Always an exceptional and active student, in her sophomore year, Faydren's academics and school involvement began to suffer and she found herself in a downward spiral.

In the year of Faydren's faltering school attendance and performance, she was referred to our program. The staff assigned a wonderful volunteer attorney, Denise de la Rue, to advocate for and mentor Faydren. Over time, Faydren came to highly respect and admire Denise and through this relationship, received much needed support, nurturing and encouragement. Denise advocated for Faydren in school and at home and made many efforts to show Faydren a world outside of that to which she was accustomed.

Due to the involvement of her exceptional volunteer, Faydren's performance not only improved at school and at home but she was also selected to receive TIP's highest honor, the Hank Aaron Award for the Most Outstanding TIP Student. In addition, Faydren was able to return to school, pull her grades back up to a B+ average and achieve the highest score on the SAT in her class. The next year, Faydren successfully complete her courses early and is now a senior at Georgia State University majoring in education.