The Weekly Challenger, Published By Goliath J. Davis, III
ST. PETERSBURG — I have written extensively about the saga at Hollywood High for the last three years, and it appears the district administration has continually ignored the warnings. For three consecutive years, approximately one-half of the scholars eligible for graduation each year were not on track to walk across the stage. Additionally, far too many received concordance diplomas.
Approximately 240 scholars were eligible for graduation this school year, but nearly one-half were not on track in April for the May 16 graduation. Additionally, all the academic programs lacked sufficient administrative support.
This includes the traditional program, Journeys in Journalism and the coveted CAT program. Reportedly, approximately 180 scholars graduated; 45 did not qualify for graduation, and 16 are awaiting testing results to see if they will receive some type of diploma — probably concordance.
This year’s graduation ceremony took place on May 17. During the ceremony, the highest academic scholars confirmed during their speeches that the Lakewood culture had spiraled down and the administration was incompetent.
The scholars’ perceptions are credible, although they could have been delivered differently. I am sure the ceremony was embarrassing for the superintendent, teachers, staff and other administrators. But then again, some may feel a sense of relief that students are expressing sentiments posted by educators and others in school climate surveys.
Hopefully, given that their clients have spoken, district administrators will take affirmative steps to address Lakewood’s academic, cultural and leadership issues. The principal and the area superintendent share some accountability for all that plagues Hollywood High.
Relieving two assistant principals of their positions is viewed by some as a scapegoat move. And as previously stated in other columns, scholars and parents must also become more engaged in all aspects of their education if we are to increase the number of standard diplomas awarded and reduce the number of substandard concordance diplomas.
Graduations are usually streamed for viewing across the state and nation for those who could not attend. I encourage you to go online and view Lakewood’s graduation ceremony. Hopefully, the district will not edit or take the ceremony down in an attempt to limit viewers’ abilities to get a real sense of what occurred today and how the culture has deteriorated.
I sincerely hope my future columns on Lakewood High can focus on the improvements to the school’s primary mission, the education of all of our scholars, support for the educators charged with educating them and support for other staff committed to the process. Read more
