Like a lot of middle schoolers, Marquavion sometimes hides his sweet smile to maintain his cool demeanor around others. Everyone calls the eighth grader “Buddy,” and he lives up to the nickname.
“I like to talk to people and make friends,” Marquavion said. “Everybody knows who I am at school and I’m happy to come here every day.”
Building and nurturing friendships comes naturally to Marquavion, a Day Student attending the University of Texas–University Charter School at Methodist Children’s Home. His family enrolled him in the program his sixth grade year.
“We have loved Buddy from the very beginning,” said Amy Grisham, director of school support. “He was such a little guy when we met him. Buddy has grown so much over the last couple of years, especially in his maturity.”
Marquavion’s mother credits the school environment and staff for her son’s growth.
“The staff is awesome,” she said. “Their communication with me is always very clear and I don’t have to worry about my son when he goes to school.
“Buddy is a more well-rounded young man now and I know it is because he is surrounded and supported by good people.”
Support at the charter school is reflected in smaller class sizes where teachers can give more attention to individual students “so they don’t get lost in the crowd,” said Clarence Degrate, Day Student program coordinator.
“Our students have more opportunities here – such as athletics and extracurricular activities – than what they may have previously experienced in a public-school setting,” Degrate said.
“I’ve always loved sports,” Marquavion said. “I wasn’t able to play for a team until I was in seventh grade, so I was excited to join here. I get more time with my friends in athletics and I’ve learned a lot of life lessons while playing sports.”
Marquavion believes his sense of perseverance stems from those who support him.
“I strive for greatness because I like to make my family and friends proud,” he said. “God, my family, friends, and sports are most important to me.”
Spreading kindness is also in Marquavion’s spirit. He and other Day Students participate in community service throughout the year, including packing groceries at a local food bank for those in need in the Waco community and delivering meals with Meals on Wheels.
“Buddy has a big heart and really cares about those around him,” Degrate said. “He doesn’t ever want anyone to feel he’s done wrong by them or disrespected them. Buddy ensures others are seen and heard.”
Those within the Day Student program often describe the group as like a family. Marquavion agrees.
“I really appreciate the support I receive from the staff and other Day Students,” he said. “They encourage me to go after my goals. I hope to become a barber after I graduate high school.”
As Marquavion continues to dream and plan for his future, his family and MCH staff are confident he will continue to thrive in the coming years.
“When you look at how much Buddy has accomplished in just the last two years, it’s amazing,” said Allyson Welch, Day Student case manager. “I think he is really coming into his own because he has found where he belongs.”
Belonging has made all the difference for Marqavion.
“I would encourage anyone to become part of the Day Student program,” Marquavion said. “This is a good place to be.”
MCH launched the Day Student program in 2012 for students in Waco and surrounding communities needing a smaller academic setting. Day Students are eligible to participate in all extracurricular activities such as athletics, summer camp, homecoming, and prom. Day Student graduates also have access to Transition Services and Independent Living resources, including scholarships for college or vocational school. The program maintains a 100 percent graduation rate.
For more information about the Day Student program at MCH, call the school office at (254) 750-2600 to speak with Clarence Degrate, Day Student program coordinator, or Allyson Welch, Day Student case manager.
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