Like many of his peers in the program, Julian was struggling in school. At the beginning of the year, his GPA was only 1.39 and his behavior was let's say “an issue”. “He didn't want to participate in the CNG program, all he wanted to do was skateboard”, says CNG Program Director Sean Mendy. Club staff had to regularly contact Julian's mother regarding his high level of unfocussed energy.

By the 2 nd quarter, Julian was already failing in Math and his GPA had fallen to an all time low of .96.  As a result of his poor grades and behavior, his mom banned him from skateboarding. This didn't sit well with him.  But it was also about that time that Julian was matched with Boys & Girls Club volunteer David Marsh. For the rest of the year, David worked with Julian focusing mainly on math. They developed a special bond and soon Julian was excelling in school and his behavior had improved. David was tutoring another student as well and Julian would stay for the session as well for additional help and to motivate the other student. 

“The key to Julian's success was really changing his attitude about learning and David was truly the catalyst for this.” says Mendy.  “David and Julian would play games including scrabble and chess.  David even gave Julian a chess set to practice at home.  He loves it.” Mendy also mentioned that the Club started a Skateboard Club as an enrichment activity which helped excite and entice Julian.

 Julian received his report card recently.  We were all delighted to learn that he received an A+ in Math and that his GPA had risen to an astounding 3.51.  He has also received several awards in school recently – one for Most Improved Behavior and another for Most Improved Academics.  A picture of Julian with his awards is provided below. Everyone here at the Club congratulates Julian and thanks David for his time, effort and commitment.