A unique partnership is helping curb the dropout rate in one local high school.
"They inspired me from the very beginning. Whenever I felt like quitting, they were there to push me," said student Martin Coronado.
Hendrickson High School put students identified as at-risk for dropping out with tutors who are disabled military veterans. And the results are remarkable, getting a dozen students back on track with their classmates this summer.
The program also has some benefits for veterans still on the road to recovery.
"By giving them a sense of accomplishment along with these kids, that's a pathway to healing. It helps them transition into civilian life," said Richard Ehrlich with Veteran Tutors.
U.S. Army veteran Alan Babin, who earned the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star for Valor early in the Iraq war, was one of the tutors.
"No matter what you do, you should never, never, NEVER give up," said Babin.
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Saturday, July 5, 2008
Disabled veterans tutor at-risk youth
From KXAN-TV in Austin, Texas: