Hey Joe...

Recently, I received an email from a former student. His name and picture is used with permission:

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Roger,


This is Joe Meloni. I hope this note finds you doing well.

Just wanted to say hi and let you know that I successfully graduated the police academy for the Charlotte, NC Police Department on June 19. It was the longest 23 weeks of my life, but it was all well worth it.

I have since been assigned to our Metro division. Metro is the busiest division out of all 13 divisions our department has. The poverty, gangs, and the amount of drugs is not to be believed. I have seen it all so far, shootings, stabbings, guns etc. I like the area I work because it is fast paced, and you really learn a lot in a short amount of time. The paperwork can get quite boring, and stack up in this job, but it's still worth it for the fun you have before the paperwork.

Thank you again for helping me get through college. My degree and skills that I was taught by you guys will always help me throughout my career.

My sister is now a manager of a Starbucks and says hello also. Please make sure you put the word out to any Achieve students interested in law enforcement, or that have any questions to contact me.

Thanks again for everything. I will be in touch.


Sincerely,
Joe Meloni


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I then requested, and he sent, this wonderful picture of himself and his fiance. We wish you the best, Joe!

Funding For Achieve

In January, House Bill 168, section 65.85 was introduced by Representative Elizabeth Coulson, in which grants through the ISAC (Illinois Student Assistance Commission) would be provided to cover the costs of the Achieve Program. The bill unanimously passed its House committee in February and the Senate committee in May. It was signed into law in July, and its implementation is currently pending budget funding.

Pictured below are the Coordinator of Achieve and a student presenting their testimony at the Senate committee.

Football Tickets

Family Weekend is October 24th, 2009. Achieve will be hosting a tailgate party with lots of great food in the saluki row tailgate area. All students and their families are invited to join us before the game.

We have football tickets available for sale at a discounted rate for our students' families. Adult tickets will cost $10, while high school age and under will cost $6. Please contact Roger at Achieve or through this blog to request and pay for your tickets!

Working on the Memory Book...

In April of last year, we celebrated our 30th Anniversary as a Program. This year, we have been working on completing a nicely bound book, telling the story of Achieve and featuring many pictures from over the years. We are in the process of editing and layout for the book. We will let you know when it is available.

Today the blog went live....

Welcome one and all. Today the blog went live. This is essentially a test. I will come back later and begin in earnest.