Harrison, who plans to go to college and have a career, tutors 10 to 15 hours a week at the Gladden Community House on the West Side. Although Harrison opted not to attend West, the school has a long history with West Side families. Many have two or three generations of West graduates. Senior Evette Langston, who is black, found her niche on the tennis team. She is the fifth of 14 children.
Mom says education is real important.
That's why I have succeeded, because she's always behind me. Educators have found parental support crucial to a child's educational achievement. Mike McCloud, a senior at Linden McKinley High School, says the diverse student body is a family. Langston's determination and persistence also have helped. Langston plans to attend whichever of Ohio's four-year public universities gives her the most financial help.