SHORT STORY

Kerry had the dubious task of teaching the thirteen toughest students in the school. There were seven boys and six girls. Kerry was able to single out the ringleaders. He threw them a curve by letting them make a few rules. Kerry's number one rule was no disrespecting any body else. It was a feeling out process. They tested him but Kerry held firm. The students came to like Kerry. He was creative, caring, humorous, and respected them as individuals. He worked with the parents of each student thought it was difficult at times. Some of kids came from single parent homes. They were labeled misfits because they did not fit into the so-called high school culture. Kerry did not use the word 'misfit' and he would not let them either. He involved every one in class. Failure was not an option. Kerry got them to participate in the school science fair, where they took third place. They had dreams and goals like anybody else. Khalid played five instruments and wrote music. He wanted to have his own record company. Rita wanted to be an actress. Law was in Marcia's future. Joe liked anything mechanical. All they needed was some one to believe in them. No one in his class failed the first session. There were three A's, five B's, three C's and two D's. The A students paired with the D students and the B and C students. At the end of the year, there were six A's and seven B's. A few commented that they never got an A or a B grade in their lives. The administration was dumbstruck. " How did you do it?" they queried. "They helped each other out. They learned the value of working together. They just needed someone to believe in them." Kerry answered.