February 12, 2016
PERSEVERANCE
Definition - steadfastness in doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving
success
Synonyms – persistence, tenacity
Many times in life, we are told, “If you don’t succeed, try, try again.” That phrase means
more than you might think. These past few weeks, we have seen many examples of
perseverance in Baldwin.
Plaza students in Mrs. Garraffo’s class, including Cedric, Derek and Brandon, have made
the promise to persevere, being inspired by the story of Wilma Rudolph. Wilma is a true
hero. Ms. Garraffo’s students read the book Wilma Unlimited by Kathleen Krull, which told
about her achievement as an Olympic Gold Medal winner in track and field. Wilma was
born prematurely, the 20th of 20 children in her family. She was a sickly child who
succumbed to scarlet fever and polio. As a result, her leg twisted and was placed in a
brace and she was limited in her movement. Yet Wilma persevered. Once that brace was
off, she was free to fly. And she quickly became a basketball player, track star, and later
a teacher, coach and civil rights leader.
Mrs. Garraffo’s class is learning that you can be faced with the worst odds of succeeding,
but your will to overcome those odds can be stronger than any obstacle you face. As
Wilma Rudolph once said, “I acquired this sense of determination, this sense of spirit that
I would never, never give up no matter what happened.”
Another inspirational story of perseverance comes from our Mock Trial team. With
revisions to the structure of the Law and Government Career Academy at Baldwin High
School came the opportunity to form a Mock Trial team. This year was the first time the
team was formed, learned the rules of participating in Mock Trial, and actually competed.
So, no experience and new to the opportunity to compete, our Baldwin students came out
on top! I am so proud to announce that the Law Academy’s brand new Mock Trial team
won the first round of the preliminary competition in this year's New York State Mock Trial
Tournament. Students Ayana Francois, Juliacie Dieuvel, Christian Sayage, Diamond
Henry, Alexa Hernandez, and Nijha Young did an outstanding job representing the
defense. Our prosecution team will compete on February 24!
Winners persevere, and perseverance pays off! Congratulations to all of our Baldwin
students who have shown the quality of perseverance!
We are Innovative! We are Inclusive! We are Involved!
We are Baldwin! #wearebaldwin #inabaldwinminute
~ Dr. Shari L. Camhi