Failure Was Not An Option For Westlake High School Student

Upon transferring from an Atlanta Public School to Westlake High School, Treshunda had low test scores, numerous failing courses and behavioral referrals for fighting. Even while in a new school setting, Treshunda was tardy for class more than 135 times, her grades continued to drop and her behavior seemed to get worse.

Treshunda was the first student CIS Site Coordinator Dr. Demona Warren interacted with on her first day at work. Demona devised a plan of action to help Treshunda set her goals, establish healthy relationships with her peers and adults, and get back on track academically, with only three months remaining until the end of her ninth-grade school year. Treshunda had already failed three classes first semester and was in danger of failing seven classes in her second semester, in addition to having several in- and out-of-school suspensions.

With support from CIS, Treshunda participated in after-school tutorials, made up missed assignments, had numerous parent-teacher conferences and completed two years of summer school. She continued to check in with Demona throughout the school day, have weekly Chat & Chew sessions, remained active in monthly small group mentoring programs and participated in various incentive programs.

Treshunda also joined the track team and excelled in Track & Field, receiving her first state championship ring in the 2014-2015 school year. Treshunda had perfect attendance, zero behavioral referrals and passed all of her classes. She stayed dedicated to graduate with her Class of 2016, and she did. She will attend Atlanta Metropolitan State College in the fall to study business.