Student Success Stories: Adilson
Adilson Gomes Centeio came to the Holden School in May, 2003, as a troubled young man who spoke only Cape Verdean Creole and a little Portuguese. Due to misunderstood behaviors and a misdiagnosed illness, he spent nearly two years in a hospital for mentally ill patients. Adilson left the hospital in the care of the Department of Mental Health (DMH), without friends or family, and moved to a shelter for homeless adults with mental health challenges. He was isolated and alone, unable to speak English, and a stranger to phones and the T.
In June 2006, Adilson proudly graduated with a full-time job lined up, and he continues to study English as a Second Language. He was very excited about completing the final steps for his US citizenship on June 20.
Adilson had many challenges to overcome, and the Holden School was able to bring together the support he needed. Through an agreement with the Boston School Department, Maria Mendes, a translator and advocate, accompanied Adilson through the school day. With her help we were able to obtain the proper assessments and support that Adilson needed from the School Department and DMH. Adilson also worked to improve his language and social skills. To help him prepare for citizenship, school staff individualized his classes, putting special emphasis on key aspects of American culture.
Adilson's story illustrates the need for "wrap around" services that take a comprehensive view of students' needs and deliver positive learning opportunities well beyond the classroom.
Adilson stresses that learning English and socializing with other kids made him feel good so he could continue learning and move forward in life. He also says he learned a lot by working after school with Alberto Rivera and George Hughes - our property department. Being treated with respect was a "most positive" part of his Holden experience. He only wishes he had learned more about basketball.
Adilson hopes to study at Bunker Hill Community College upon completion of his ESL work. He will be applying to Holden's Scholarship Committee for tuition help.
Your support of the Holden School helps us improve the lives of students such as Adilson. We are proud of him and all the students who work toward graduation and more productive lives. As this story demonstrates, the challenges can go well beyond basic education but the rewards make the effort worthwhile.