San Leandro Student is Washington, D.C. Bound

From the Office of San Leandro Unified School District Superintendent Cindy Cathey -

Lincoln High School student Doriana Smith has received an America's Promise Alliance Scholarship to attend the 2012 Grad Nation Summit in Washington D.C. March 17 through 20.

The annual Grad Nation Summit brings together community groups, educators,
local and state leaders, nonprofit organizations, businesses and youth to discuss the progress being made and remaining challenges in the nation’s efforts to increase high school graduation rates.

The Summit is expected to draw around 1,000 people and will include appearances from U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan, educational reformer Michelle Rhee, General Colin Powell, America’s Promise Founding Chairman and some of the nation’s most respected business leaders.

“The scholarship application process was very rigorous,” said San Leandro Unified School District Superintendent Cindy Cathey, “Twelve other students at Lincoln High, under the advisement of English teacher Melanie Blagburn, also applied. Doriana is one of only 250 students selected nationwide to participate in this important Summit.”

“We are extremely proud of Doriana,” said Principal Alex Harp. “Doriana can
eloquently and persuasively articulate her opinions, while keeping an open mind
and heart when listening to others. I have no doubt that she will represent
Lincoln High School and the City of San Leandro with grace and humility.”

School officials say as a student at Lincoln High School, Doriana shines as a responsible leader who often takes on extra responsibilities while being an active and engaged learner in her classes. Principal Harp credits Doriana for being a mature and intelligent young woman whose insights and perspectives benefit her classmates. He also credits English Teacher Melanie Blagburn for being an inspirational teacher who challenges students to be reflective and critical thinkers.

“Melanie has been providing quality instruction to Lincoln students since the 2008-2009 school year,” said Harp. “Ms. B, as she’s affectionately called by students, is the only reason some students have even decided to stay in school. She nurtures them, while demanding they perform at high levels
academically. Ms. B has helped transform the culture of Lincoln High School to make it a place students feel safe and free to be who they are, discovering their academic greatness and seeing themselves once again as scholars.”

Lincoln High School is part of the Lincoln Alternative Education Center (LAEC) serves SLUSD students who need an alternative to traditional high school. In addition to Lincoln High, LAEC offers students the following options: Alternative Contracts Education (ACE), Gateway and Lighthouse Independent Study Center.

Lincoln High School was recently recognized by the State Superintendent of Public Instruction as a 2012 Model Continuation High School, one of only 64 alternative high schools in California to receive this prestigious award. “Our District has a commitment to seeing that all of our students succeed,” said Superintendent Cathey. “This recognition for Doriana is a perfect example of how students thrive when the school system provides them with options to meet their needs. Lincoln Alternative Education Center does just that. We wish Doriana a great trip to Washington DC and that that she will represent the voice of students in ways that will impact national policies.”