When Harrison first walked in the school I thought he was quite and obviously very bright, based on his advanced course placement. I was right about the bright part but quite well, after a few weeks he had begun to emerge as a witty, friendly leader making great friends and impressing teachers with his academic performance. Harrison is a perfect example of the students we serve at Chalk2Champions. He is an elite, tournament level tennis player and was experiencing conflict with pursuing his tennis talents and maintaining the stress of a public school schedule. He now is able to get court time on Mondays and Fridays and every afternoon starting at 1:00 verses before not getting to the tennis courts until 4:30 and having to miss school when tournament travel was required. He is winning at the next level and beating opponents that use to exceed his ability. His coach ,Will Wright, from Windward Tennis Academy has said of Harrison "He is a hard worker and a fierce competitor. I have seen his ability approve tremendously this year with his extra work out time".

I think I can best express how Harrison's year has gone from his own words. I recently had a conversation with him and would like to share his thoughts.

Mrs. Willis- After you started playing tennis, how did it evolve to the point where you needed to be home schooled?
Harrison- I have tennis tournaments every weekend, during tennis season, and I was having to miss Fridays and Mondays from school.
Mrs. Willis- How has your skill level improved, have you been able to move up to the next level?
Harrison- It has improved greatly, I've been beating people that I use to lose too before.
Mrs. Willis- Are the people you play against home schooled.
Harrison- Yes, most people I play are home schooled.
Mrs. Willis- Do you feel like you're getting as much academically out of Chalk2Champions as you were in your old school?
Harrison - Yes, the academics are a lot better here. At a public school you don't get as much attention as you get here. I think I learned more here the first month than half a year there.
Mrs. Willis- Wow, that it good to hear.
Mrs. Willis- Do you have socialization here, what are the kids like here compared to public school?
Harrison- Same kind of kids, but there are no bullies here. Kids are more serious about their work here.
Mrs. Willis- Do you feel like you can play tennis in college and get a scholarship or are you going for a academic one?
Harrison- It's a little of both I want to get a academic and a tennis scholarship, I will choose a college wherever my tennis career leads me.
Mrs. Willis- Knowing our courses are college prep, do you feel like you can go to any college you want if you stay in a home school environment?
Harrison- Yes, I think I will be o.k. because I have more time to focus on my studies.
Mrs. Willis- Were you more stressed and tired in public school?
Harrison- All we did there was waste time with so many distractions and it was hard to get any work done. The homework also was busy work. Here the work is more effective.

Harrison made an ad for our school, without being prompted, that says a lot about his feelings and impressed to me that he was much happier then his previous school. It confirms my hopes of providing a place for students to learn while being valued.
Thank you Harrison for being a STAR STUDENT.