The Virginian-Pilot
©
NORFOLK
In Ed Allison's classroom at Granby High School, pictures of Barack Obama adorn both the current-events wall and a display devoted to student mentorship.
This morning, about 25 of Allison's students will meet the Democratic Party's presidential candidate in person. Obama will make a campaign stop in Norfolk to discuss his plans for preparing students to meet 21st-century challenges, according to a campaign spokesman.
The Illinois senator first will visit Allison's freshman leadership seminar and then will talk with a handful of student leaders and about 150 parents and teachers in Granby's media center, Principal Ted Daughtrey said. The events are by invitation only and open to the media.
Campaign workers called Norfolk Superintendent Stephen C. Jones at home on Friday night to ask if Obama could solicit opinions from parents and teachers about what it takes to be a successful school system.
The Obama camp selected Granby because of offerings such as the freshmen success curriculum and the International Baccalaureate program, said Clark Stevens, a campaign spokesman.
The principal found out about the visit Sunday night.
"First thought," Daughtrey said, "was this is a great opportunity for people at Granby to have exposure to Sen. Obama and the political campaign. Second thought was it's a logistical nightmare."
Daughtrey directed the senator to Allison because he played a major role in starting an effective student mentorship program. He's also on a team of Granby High teachers who helped about 81 percent of their first-year freshmen move on to the 10th grade. Nationally, ninth-grade students tend to fail more than students in other grades.
The campaign asked that officials announce only that "an important public figure" would make an appearance, so many students found out Obama was coming when the media reported it Tuesday.
He is the school's second political guest of the year, Daughtrey said: Republican U.S. Rep. Thelma Drake visited teachers on their first day back to school.
Nearly 50 years ago, thousands greeted Sen. John F. Kennedy when he spoke on the Granby High athletic field days before he was elected president.
Allison, who also teaches world history, said he wants his students to see past the politics.
"Here's another positive role model for these kids to see," he said, "another positive image."
Amy Jeter, (757) 446-2730, amy.jeter@pilotonline.com
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Twomiler
I agree and even my lovely things will be passed on or willed onward to someone else who will love them after me (no point in taking my diamond ring in the coffin with me, is there?).
I hope that those smart enough to start businesses are smart enough to leave them to people who won't run them into the ground. Like Disney has perpetuated, etc. People who are rich and know that their kids have entitlement mentalities tend to leave them money but no responsibility. I don't disgree with that tactic, except I might leave them far less money . . . It's good for them to learn to fend for themselves (and get off of the drugs/alcohol/sex addictions, etc.). Cheers, MGM
None
of us will take anything of monetary value past death. All will be left to whom or whatever. Scriptures teach all are obligated to assist those less fortunate than we. They teach our obligation to pay taxes, to whatever government we have. So, why do so many people have such a big problem with kindness & obligation? Some rich persons got their wealth through whom they were born. They've done nothing, I mean nothing, to "deserve" what they have. Some are so rich, they could blow millions of dollars on frivolity, yearly, & never come close to not being rich. Sense of honor nor shame; kindness of heart or even tax breaks, have made these people help anything or anyone, ever. They use loopholes to pay lower,(if any), taxes than working people. That's fair?
I agree, Twomiler
I'm back. Doing pretty well. No throwing up this time, just tired.
I agree about animal lovers needing to help more animals than just their own personal one(s), but I also know there is nothing to do about it when they leave millions to their own pet or pets (except feel sorry for them that they don't seem to have connected with any people, let alone any other animals . . .). Cheers, MGM
Hope
you're doing okay 2day, Mary. She's not the only person that left a fortune to her pet. Many people are outrageously rich, not due to any effort on their part but through inheritance. That's okay. Yet some heirs feel no need to benefit any part of society outside of themselves. That is the epitome of selfishness. If 1 wishes to show love for their pet, why not leave monies to an organization that would use it to help many pets? A veterinary hospital or the like?
an ira quote
Cut and paste your reasoning behind you stance. I owuld like nothing more than debate the issues w/ you. Now we are moving forward.
an ira quote
Ira said :"Why not quit w/ the two line posts that offer no information. We already know who you support. If he is so great show us the money. Maybe you will change some minds."
Why don't you practice what you preach? Lets hear some reason for your support of McCain/Palin.
Twomiler
Had my chemo today, just getting back at you!!! (smile)
Two comments: 1) as crazy as it is, Leona Helmsley leaving her money to her dog was her choice to make (free country means even free to be certifiably loony if we don't harm anyone in the process) 2) at least two PETA folks will now pile onto me because they don't think the idea of leaving your dog your money is crazy. Cheers, MGM
McCain - leadership we cant keep track of
Was against Bush tax cuts, now for
Opposed, now for offshore drilling
Was for but now against his own immigration bill
Against repeal of Roe v. Wade, now for it
Opposed, now OK w/ warrantless wiretapping
Opposed, now for indefinate detention of terrorists
For prohibiting waterboarding but not anymore
For closing Gitmo but no mas
For kicking Russia out of G8, then against, now for it
For normalizing relations w/ Cuba, now against
For diplomacy with Hamas & Syria, now against
Was against more troops in Afghan, now for it
Opposed MLK holiday before supporting it
Defended privatizing SocSec, now against, yet still supports
A person
in this country, found to have 1/32 Black blood, is indeed considered Black. If Obama had tried to live as a White person,(according to your statement, he should be able), he would not have been accepted as White, by the average American person. Plain & simple fact. With your own words, you kicked your point about the numbers of minorities at conventions to the curb. Latinos, Asian - Americans, Native Americans, African - Americans, Pacific Americans & other minorities, should, in no way, have been present in the numbers that attended the Democratic Convention & acceptance speech of Obama. There were large numbers of Whites, too.
Reno
Do you have anything to actually contribute to this, or any subject? A legitimate point of view, expressed in a manner of port & decorum, is essential. Perhaps I've missed some of your posts in which this was done. Perhaps not.