TERRE HAUTE —
First, Deming Elementary children received special recognition for improving grades and showing good character during an honors assembly Friday.
Then, another recognition took place for Deming parents who are pursuing higher education. One by one, about a dozen took the stage, their children beside them.
Others parents were honored but unable to attend.
Some are studying cosmetology, while others attend Harrison College, Ivy Tech or Indiana State University. Several are taking online coursework. A few had perfect grade-point averages.
“Parents, I am so very proud of you,” said school principal Susan Mardis. “You are modeling to your children, you are modeling to our school. I know it’s not easy.”
She offered the school’s assistance in any way, if parents need it. “If you need to use a computer, if you need to come and read some books we might have, you are welcome at Deming,” she said. The school will even help them with resumés, Mardis pledged.
The parents received loud applause from children and school staff.
Mardis talked about her own mother starting college at age 38 and ultimately becoming a teacher; her mother taught for 24 years.
“It wasn’t easy. My dad did laundry. We had a lot of TV dinners. We sacrificed, and she sacrificed,” Mardis said. “But I was never so proud of my mother … as when I saw her graduate from college.”
If parents are learning, it encourages their children to do the same, Mardis said prior to the assembly.
Among the parents honored was Carmen Hardesty, 32, who just started attending Ivy Tech and hopes to pursue an associate degree in radiology technology.
The mother of two Deming students — and a 9-month-old — she said she appreciated the recognition, although she was a little embarrassed about going on stage.
“I love Deming. It’s a very good school and Mrs. Mardis is a very good principal,” she said. “She always tries to show appreciation to parents.”
In attending Ivy Tech, Hardesty wants to show her children that it’s important to have a college education and also “to prove to myself that I can do it.”
She hopes her efforts will eventually land her a good-paying job.
Also honored were Bob and Tamera Rhodes, who are married and have one child at Deming as well as two older children.
The Rhodes are both age 40, attend ISU, work as Deming recess aides and study recreational therapy. Tamera is also pursing a major in communications.
They appreciate the recognition of their efforts. “So many people don’t understand what it’s like to go to college, and have kids and work jobs,” Tamera said. “For us it’s challenging.” He might do laundry or cook while she’s doing homework.
“We have to work it out all the time; it’s a 24/7 thing for us. Sometimes we only get two hours of sleep, but it’s worth it to us,” she said.
When they began attending ISU, they worried about their age, but they’ve found that many adults are going back, Bob said.
Johnathan Mullins, 30, is a fireman-custodian at Deming and parent of a Deming preschool student. He attends Ivy Tech and is studying design technology. “I felt very honored,” he said after the program.
Sara Raubuck, 30, is studying accounting by taking online courses though Harrison College. She lost one job last year and had difficulty finding another, so she decided to further her education.
She’s a single parent and her son has autism. It’s tough balancing family, studies and her job. Being honored Friday “is cool,” she said. Deming “is really good about helping out everybody as much as they can.”
Sue Loughlin can be reached at (812) 231-4235 or sue.loughlin@tribstar.com.
News
Related Photos
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Stars: Deming Elementary School principal Susan Mardis (left) listens to Jeff Clutter, college and career preparation manager, during Friday's assembly honoring continuing education participants.
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Proud: Participants in continuing education and their children line up for a photo at the end of Friday's assembly at Deming Elementary School.
Discussion
Role Models
Parents honored for continuing education during Deming Elementary assembly
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