DEAR EDITOR:

Nothing is more gratifying than to see someone with a vision convert a liability to an asset. Theresa Dellick, judge of the Mahoning County juvenile court, did just that. She founded the Mahoning Valley Community School (MVCS).

The school stands, like the Statue of Liberty, calling other schools in the Mahoning Valley: Give me your poor, give me your dropouts, and those who have lost direction and hope, but yearning to be free. Free from ignorance. Free from poverty, and to be the best that they can be. It is the vision and the mission of the MVCS to convince them and their parents, that with determination and hard work, nothing is impossible. Albert Einstein used to tell his students: “it is not that I am so smart, it’s that I stay with the problem longer.” Yes, it took him 10 years to develop his famous equation, E= MC square.

I feel blessed and honored to be a member of the MVCS advisory board, and to see firsthand, the metamorphoses of our youths.

On May 24, I was privileged to attend their graduation ceremony. Forty-two students graduated. Twelve were heading for college. It was heartwarming to see the excitement of both students and parents celebrating the beginning of a bright future for these young men and women, entering society as educated and responsible citizens.

Two teachers attended our last board meeting. Their enthusiasm and love of teaching was palpable.

All the teachers are certified. They stay at MVCS, not for the love of money, but for the love of these children and for the love of their community.

Dr. Jennifer Merritt, superintendent, administrator, teacher, leader, and totally committed to MVCS and its mission, updated us on the curriculum and on the Adult Education School, with 40 students, ages from 22 to 76.

Some of these are parents of students at MVCS. Before they can graduate, they must meet the requirements for a high school diploma, not GED. A 76-year-old lady wanted to be a good example to her grandchildren. A 60-year-old man is now a student at Kent State University, and a 41-year-old went to nursing school. Age does not put limits, or expiration dates, on learning.

Arthur Schopenhauer, a German philosopher, once said: “Talent hits a target no one else can hit. Genius hits a target no one can see.”

In 2008, Judge Dellick saw a rock no one could see. A rock filled with diamonds, the crown jewels of our Valley — the dropouts, seeking to be free, and be the best they can be.

RASHID ABDU, M.D.

Canfield