Breaking the Cycle of Poverty in South Dallas: Tod Robberson wonders how Veronica Jacquez beat the odds in South Dallas. She grew up across the street from the Turner Courts public housing projects, amidst crime and poverty, but is now a junior at the University of Texas at Austin on her way to law school. The key, Robberson argues, was Turner 12, a program founded by a Lincoln High School coach who picks 12 students every five years for hands-on mentoring from eighth grade to graduation. In other words, it’s all about taking a one-on-one approach, fostering personal responsibility, and involving parents and family in the child’s future.
Rockwall Shocked By Recent Teen Suicides: An eighth grader and a freshman, both females, have killed themselves in recent weeks in Rockwall, prompting community-wide soul searching and questions about why the athletic and seemingly happy girls took their own lives.
Profar May Be Real Deal: Even if you only casually follow the Rangers you have likely heard of the team’s much ballyhooed top prospect Jurickson Profar. Profar played in a few games last season, but with the recent injury to Ian Kinsler, he’s getting some real playing time this spring. And his play during this stretch, including his game-winning home run yesterday, seems to suggest the rookie may live up to the hype.
