Closing the Book on the School Year

« previous | next »

July 3, 2007 - When nine-year-old Sarty Ogak’s family moved to Erie to escape the ethnic and political conflict of Sudan, she could barely speak English.

By the end of the school year, this third grade Pfeiffer-Burleigh student had not only learned English, but also received three academic awards at a year-end school awards assembly.

According to Sarty’s teacher, the work of Erie Insurance tutor Kim Lane was key to Sarty’s academic success.

“Matching Kim with Sarty was very helpful to her,” noted third grade teacher Cathy Strasser. “When Kim told Sarty she did a good job, she believed her. That really boosted Sarty’s self-confidence.”

Another 9-year-old who picked up a ribbon for academic honors was third-grader Ronald Mitchell.

“I was so proud of Ron,” said Senior Programming Analyst Chuck Merlino, who tutored him throughout the school year. “Ron is a little guy with a big smile and a big heart. It was a privilege to get to know him and help him do his best.”

Although Sarty and Ron were two of 117 students who won academic awards at year end, they weren’t the only ones marking the last days of school with festivities.

Lake Erie cruise

Earlier in June, Sarty, Ron and every student and Employee volunteer who participated in Erie Insurance’s tutoring program was invited to take a one-hour Lake Erie excursion on the Victorian Princess paddle wheel cruise boat.

The students don’t often have a chance to ride on a boat even though they may live just blocks from the water’s edge.

Although everyone who rides the Victorian Princess pauses to hear safety instructions from the captain, these young passengers had been schooled in the basics of water safety long before boarding.

Erie Insurance Employee and volunteer emergency medical technician Chris Grabowski conducted a water safety workshop at the school when the trip was still in the planning stages.

“Whether there’s a pool in your backyard or a beach close by, it’s safety first whenever you’re near water,” advised Grabowski, section supervisor in Medical Management Validation.

According to third grade teacher Kris Frangione, the students aren’t the only ones who will benefit from the safety lessons.

“The inner-city community relies on these kids to look out for each other,” said Kris. “Exposure to safety tips is not only important to them, but also to the safety of their younger brothers and sisters.”

• Print
• Bookmark
• Link
• E-mail
• Share
• Blog