Marie "Bonnie" Alder - A true educator

Bonnie is my mother. While she gave birth only to my older brother and me, she has thousands of children. They send her emails and call her when they are in town. They are constantly thanking her for doing what nobody else could ever do - convince them they are worth something.

Bonnie taught at a school many teachers and students want to avoid. This school had a reputation of teaching the "bad" students and the ones who could not be reached. She was determined to make people see the school in a different light because she knew that, if outsiders saw the school as a positive place, the students inside of it would begin to believe it was a good place to be.

She began slowly, reaching out to students who did not think they could continue their education after high school. Some did not think they were smart enough; Bonnie found even those who were performing near the bottom of their classes and had them tested to find the best ways for them to learn and thrive. Some did not believe they could afford college; Bonnie found them scholarships. It is because of Bonnie that a child from the "wrong" side of town learned enough about computers to win a state-wide competition and go onto study computer science at a university. It is because of Bonnie that a student, who thought so little of his life that he wanted to end it, is still around to make the world a more artistic place. It is because of Bonnie that so many children have grown into their own self-sufficient citizens who now "pay it forward."

After years of helping students individually, she decided to take on a bigger role. As friends were retiring, Bonnie knew she had not yet finished making her mark on the school with the "bad reputation." She toiled over lesson plans and weighted credits and traveled to conferences to learn how to start a health sciences academy. It was with this new public school that she would help guide young dreams to fruition. Not only did the school she masterminded get approval and funding from the school board, but her model was used all over the city to create "academies" for students with interests outside of the health sciences.

She has retired, but many bright minds that might have otherwise lost their way will forever have the chance to become nurses, veterinarians, doctors, physical therapists, and other medical professionals. It is because Bonnie wanted to make a difference that so many children will not longer fear having goals and goals are what put smiles in the hallways. So, really, the hallways at her school will never be without... not anymore.