Sunflower County Freedom Project

The Official SCFP Newsletter Fall 2009

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SCFPFallNewsletter

Look out! Here I Come!

Today, it is easier as a freshman. I'm used to the hectic work that flies past me, but i think these will be the most memorable years of my life. I have been doing a lot more studying lately than usual. I have done so many projects i feel like sometimes my fingers will fall off. I am glad that I can manage, though. As anxious as I am to join the adult world nothing is like living in the moment. I can feel great as a freshman as hectic as it is. So I'm going to live life, but watch out world! Here I Come!

MediaFest 2009!

YOU'RE INVITED!!

Won't you join us for this year's Media Fest and Silent Auction? It's sure to be a time you won't forget!
From animations to documentaries, our media projects are sure to leave you wanting more.
We hope to see you on Saturday, December 19, 2009 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.!

Check out some of our videos from previous years on SCFP TV 

http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=scfptv&search_type=&aq=f

We did a performance for William Grant Still in Natchez, Ms. We had a great time learning this new type of dance. It was called improvisation. FANTASTIC!!!!

updating fresh

Wats Up!

It has been a while since i have done a freshman diary blog post, but a lot has happened.

Well, first of all i transferred to Pennington Jr. High School. It is great over there. I really enjoy it better than the other school i was attending. As a freshman times have been different but i have been able to manage. I also plan on taking my ACT this spring. I just want to be on top of my A game. I cant wait to see whats ahead. At least now i know the true experience of being a freshman. HIGH SCHOOL IS GREAT!!!!

Fresh Update

Freshmen is a 14 year old that journeys over to a land beyond effort and difficulties. As a freshmen myself, times have already started to tumble. I attend Ruleville Central in the heart of the Delta. My name is Mykia Clayton. It has been difficult time trying to stay focus with all the distractions from some of my immature peers. The teachers never give us a break. The cafeteria food is horrible. I also attend the Sunflower County Freedom Project. This an after school project that helps 7-12 graders to prepare for college and teaches life-long skills. If it was not for this program I don't know what I would do. Beside the mess with the teachers my classes are just as bad. I am taking class that eight graders could past with all 100. Inn the future i really hope the school changes, because as of now things are not going so well.

Follow us on Twitter!!

The SCFP is now on Twitter!  Keep up with us and all the exciting events, student stories, and SCFP Family news! http://www.twitter.com/ourscfp

Swahili

Hello, my name is Deairious Bush.I am from Sunflower, Ms. I am a first year at SCFP.I would like to talk to you about a language called Swahili.At the SCFP we learn Swahili. Swahili is the language they speak in Eastern Africa.It includes words like Hujambo,which means hello.To respond to hello,you say Sijambo.Learning swahili will help you in the long run. 

Blues for an Alabama Sky...

 On Sunday, September 27th, after reading the play and passing a quiz, a small, select group of Freedom Fellows went to see the Pearl Cleage play, Blues for an Alabama Sky at the University of Mississippi in Oxford, MS. 

    The students had a great time and even got to meet some of the cast members. One of the actresses, Brittany Ray, was actually a Gentry High School graduate ( Indianola, MS) and many of the students remembered her from a student panel years ago. She played the role of Delia and after the play told us that this the first all black cast at Ole Miss, so it was a historic event.  We also were able to meet up with a recent SCFP alumnus, Oryan Griffin who graduated from the Freedom Project last year. He's now a first year Engineering student with a serious plan to enter the Honors College next semester.  In the picture below, you can see us in the middle of a great laugh. Olivia Sykes cracked up when one of the cast members shouted a classic line from the play, "Let the good times roll!" Indeed, we did and the students wrote reviews of the play. Here are some below:

 

"This was a good play.  The actors were great. They were accurate in their performance and gave it their all. I especially liked the character Angel."  - Joaquin Burse, Fourth Year Freedom Fellow

"The play was fantastic. Especially with all the drama in the story.  The character Guy has pizazz." - Michael Burse, Fifth Year Freedom Fellow

"The play was very interesting and well organized.  Everything was in order and well thought out.  The people who played the roles were very focused and played their parts well.  All of the characters seemed as if they were experienced and showed love for what they do."  -Fifth Year Freedom Fellow.

"I thought the play was wonderful. I enjoyed myself to the fullest. It was really a "must see" play.  I applaud the people who play all five characters because they did so well. Everything went smoothly.  The play was the first all black cast at Ole Miss. I really enjoyed it." Laquita Minton, Fifth Year Freedom Fellow

 

"I thought it was the best play I have ever seen.  It was better than I thought it would be and seeing it in person was a lot better than reading the book."  - Latavius Pleas, First Year Freedom Fellow

Update from Mr. Pleas

You may remember First Year Freedom Fellow, Latavius Pleas from one of our earlier blog posts this year, we sat down with him to catch up and get an update on his life so far this school year:

SCFP: How has the school year been going so far?

Mr. Pleas: It's been going good so far, but it has gotten a lot harder. The work in the seventh grade is a lot harder and I have to study more.

SCFP:Have you tried out for any sports? 

Mr.Pleas:I am trying out for basketball.

SCFP:Are you keeping your grades up so you can play?

Mr.Pleas: Yes and I'm trying very hard at it.

SCFP: I see you're reading a play, Blues for an Alabama Sky. Why? What do you think of it so far?

Mr. Pleas: Yes, it's a very good book. It makes me think about things I never thought about before. I want to go on the trip Sunday to Ole Miss so we can see the play about it.

SCFP: Have you ever been to a play? Why do you want to go to see this one?

Mr. Pleas: I've been to a play before in Indianola in the fifth grade, but I want to see how this story is going to turn out in the play.

SCFP: What have you been up to in the SCFP?

Mr. Pleas: I've been working hard and doing better in fitness. I'm learning more about Swahili. At first it was complicated, but now it seems a lot easier.

SCFP: So far, what has been the highlight of your time at the Freedom Project this fall?

Mr. Pleas:  Reading To Kill a Mockingbird. It's a really interesting book and when I read good books I learn new things. Also, if someone asked me about the book, I would  be able to tell them. 

SCFP: There may be a chance to go see To Kill A Mockingbird as a play, do you think you would want to go? Which character would you look forward to seeing the most?

Mr. Pleas: Yes! I think i'd really like to go because it might be better in the play than in the book. My favorite character is Jem because he seems like a leader, like how we have to be in the SCFP.

SCFP: What can our SCFP blog readers look forward to hearing about you this fall?

Mr. Pleas: That I've been doing better than I was before last year, I'm doing more activities, and I'm being more confident than I used to. 

Look forward to reading more blog posts from Mr. Latavius Pleas and other Freedom Fellows this fall!