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Unsung Heroes

Teacher Brings Students From The Wild Streets To The Wilderness
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7 Comments

Karen Hendrickson on May 21, 2009 3:01 PM

I sent this "Feel Good" story to many on my e-mail list. I LOVE stories like this. More stories like this should be on news shows and in magazines and newspapers. In this world we need more enlightening news. You just never know when an idea such as Mr. Vanderberg's would spark something similar in another state, at another school. This need not even be for the troubled kids....little rich kids often experience next to nothing in regard to helping people or nature, or....they could use enlightening right beside these kids.Helping trobled kids to grow or better yet outgrow their negatives and go on to bettering their lives.
HURRAH!! for Mr. Vanderberg and his follow through on a terrific offering to these kids. How proud he must be! Thankfully he is being recognized, praised, and rewarded for his good while he is still living. All too often greatness isn't recognized until we stand at their gravesites! Good for the Early show's Early Angels recognitions!!!!

Great story! Bill Vanderberg deserves recognition for his enduring commitment to the students at Crenshaw and their opportunities to explore their world.

I will make one slight criticism. Please receive it as constructive. Your lead in title and first snap shops portray one aspect of the Crenshaw community that has come to typify the whole community and areas like Crenshaw. Yes, there is violence, but there are hundreds of everyday people who live producting, contributing, and meaningful lives that contribute to the well being of the community as well. They are people like Bill Vanderberg. In a wonderful effort to demonstrate how outstanding a person Bill is watch that you don't give a skewed view of the entire community. Urban communities of color have suffered from the "exceptional" versus the viallain syndrome that perpetuates distorted images of their lives. Please accept this perspect amidst my praise and gratitude for the story.

Sylvia

Thanks for a great story. I love the positive approach highlighting good work taking place in the Crenshaw community. Bill Vanderberg deserves it.

Only one slight criticism. Lead lines and the lead-in photos place too much emphasis on the negative aspects of life in the Crenshaw neighborhood. This image clearly tells truth, and should be included. But it is only one among many aspects of life in the Crenshaw area, as Bill Vanderberg demonstrates. Many people who live in this area lead productive, contributing and noteworthy lives. In an attempt to show a special person, who Bill Vanderberg clearly is, steer clear of villianizing the rest of community. Balance a story like Bill's with at least one other positive image of the community. As a promising journalist, avoid that trap of past journalism that has shaped America's image of urban communities. Every image counts.

Sylvia

juandavis on May 11, 2009 2:20 PM

Juan,
I sent this to Jackie, but didn't hear from her. This is an audio slide show done by one of my grad students, Daysha Eaton. It's part of a series my class did called "Unsung Heroes of Los Angeles." This one is exceptionally good, I think, and profiles a school official at Crenshaw High. I was hoping KCET.org could use it. Any chance?
Judy

Jean Brugger on May 11, 2009 9:46 AM

Proud to have known & worked on trails with Bill & his students over the years. Keep up the good work !!

Barb Thomas on May 10, 2009 9:41 PM

I camped with the Crenshaw kids at the State Trail Days a couple of weeks ago. They are a fun bunch of fine kids who worked hard on the trails and had a good time camping. I'll never forget the girls petting and asking tons of questions about my friend's mule or them sitting on the picnic tables Sunday morning saying "we don't want to go home!". They loved it! I hope they can come back next year and for years to come. Thanks for the video on the great work being done by Bill and the Crenshaw Eco club.

Great video. Anyway to post this somewhere where we can get an embed to put up on our site?

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