In the Beginning
In 1997-1998 school year, Joan and Lyle Middleton and Dick Jacobson agreed to sponsor the 2008/2009 Oakridge Project. They “adopted” all of the first and second graders who were living at the Oakridge Neighborhood during the 1997 school year. 47 Dreamers were adopted.
Oakridge Dreamers with Class Sponsors: Joan & Lyle Middleton
Oakridge Dreamers with Class Sponsor: Dick Jacobson
Now
The 2008/2009 Oakridge Dreamers are grown up! The 2008 class, had a graduation rate of 92% and will be entering their sophomore year of college. The 2009 class, boasts an 83% graduation rate(with several more anticipated to complete their requirements before the fall of 2009) and most are preparing to enter their freshman year in college. The group has much potential and great plans for their future! Dreamers are attending schools across the country: The University of Iowa, DMACC, Georgia Perimeter College, Iowa Central Community College to name a few.
Class Sponsor Joan Middleton recently shared ‘WHY’ “I Have A Dream”:
“Lyle and I wanted a program we could see, feel and touch. Writing the check really didn’t solve many problems, our involvement did. Of course high school graduation matters, along with not going to jail, no pregnancies and successful employment. Some of the most important statistics are not judged by traditional standards: self-worth, connecting with people and helping others. Our Dreamers have all of these and more! We got way more out of our program than we ever anticipated. We have been the lucky ones! Now we want to do it over, and over, and over! IIHAD works.”
Project Contact Information:
Stacy Kluesner, Executive Director, Stacy.Kluesner@drake.edu