Senior Gerron Fryer is not the same person that he was when he started his freshman year at Heights High. “I did not take school seriously in the ninth grade,” he said. “Even this fall, I was tardy a lot.” However, second and third quarter, he has radically improved his attendance.
During first quarter he was tardy 66 times, second quarter he accumulated 23 tardy marks and in third quarter, he was only been tardy 3 times. What caused such a significant improvement?
Gerron at the February 4 Athletic Signing Day where he announced that he will attend the University of Charleston in West Virginia to play football.
A big factor in his transformation was his mother, Melissa Tompkins. “She just kept after me, always calling me and bugging to be on time to class,” he said. Another big influence on Gerron’s improved attendance is Administrative Principal Zoraba Ross. In the late fall when Mr. Ross implemented new tardy practices, Gerron’s life was definitely affected. “I was really mad when I found out that I couldn’t go to the basketball games because I had more than ten tardies.”
“I wanted Gerron to know that to be successful as an adult, he needed to be responsible for the unhealthy habits that would prevent him from being successful in college or work,” said Principal Ross. “I held him accountable for his actions and I told him that I have high expectations for him and all our students. I believe they are smart, intelligent and capable of make the right choices, especially when it comes to being in class on time.”
And, he and Ms. Tompkins worked together, with Gerron, to create a new habit for the young man. “After a while, it became easier to go to class on time than to deal with my Mom and Mr. Ross,” he said. He also enjoyed going to the basketball games with his friends.
“Having Ms. Tompkins work with the school to show a unified front was probably the most crucial key to Gerron’s behavior change. We were on the same page and that made it easier for everyone,” said Mr. Ross.
Another person who is fully in Gerron’s court is Claudene McCoy, a teacher from his freshman year. Since his first year at Heights High, she has been a big influence on him. “I stop in her classroom at least once a day to say hi and just check in,” he said.
Ms. McCoy has seen Gerron mature into a college bound young man. “I am not worried about him at all,” she said. “He has what it takes to succeed. It just took him until senior year to let everyone else know that.”
Gerron and his mother, Melissa Tompkins.
“Every morning before I say goodbye to my Mom, she tells me to strive to be above average and to be a leader, not a follower,” he said. He has heard her words for many years, but now he is stepping up and letting his leadership shine.
After graduation, Gerron will attend the University of Charleston in West Virginia and will play football.