Beating the Odds Gets a Thumbs Up!

The 2008 “Beating the Odds” awardees (left to right): Zequoia Jordan, Tyneisha Hamilton, Gregory Weaver, Jr., and Shabree Williams.

from Staff reports

Delta House Life Development recently celebrated 25 years of service to the Asheville community and 10 years of grassroots community action with its “Beat the Odds” program. The celebration underscored the achievements of five local youth determined to beat the odds despite facing tremendous obstacles in their lives.

The Honorees

Tyneisha’s mother died when she was five years old. Now an 11th grader at a local school, she lives with her supportive grandmother. Currently she maintains a B+ average in her studies, and she plans to be a cosmetologist. Says Tyneisha about her aspiration, “I learned early on that if I stay focused and act responsibly, my years in school would be much easier.”

Omowale lost his mother at an early age, and he also now stays with a
grandparent. Omowale states, “I’ve learned to use my time productively,
and treasure the work ethic I learned from my dad. He taught me to work
harder in my studies and not be a quitter. My personal challenge is to
control the things that I can, and depend on God for the rest.” He
enjoys art and plays football.

Zequoia believes she has beaten the odds after losing both parents at
age eight. An 11th grader and member of her high school swim team, she
loves the competition – both in the pool and out. Currently enrolled in
Honors classes, Zequoia aspires to become a registered nurse
specializing in midwifery.

Gregory Weaver, Jr. thanks his mother, his grandmother Rose Weaver
Walker, and his aunt Donna for being the significant forces in his
life. “It’s not been easy,” he says. “I’m a senior in high school, and
I thank God for bringing me this far.”

2008 “Beating the Odds” awardee – Omowale Hardy.

A prolific orator, Weaver plans to attend A-B Tech and transfer to a
university to obtain his undergraduate degree. He aspires to be an
entrepreneur; his dream is to someday own an automobile dealership.

Shabree is one of six siblings being raised by a single parent. Being
responsible for six children has been emotionally and financially
stressful for her mother. Shabree shares the responsibility of looking
after her other siblings and helping where she is needed.

“I also have two supportive grandmothers who have also been there for
me. I began to work really hard in school making the A-B Honor Roll,
and I give The Delta House Development Center their deserved credit,”
says Shabree. She will attend Winston-Salem State University, majoring
in nursing.

The Delta House Development Center offers academic coaching, homework
assistance, and mentoring. Students also participate in music, art,
computer skills, field trips, social graces, and life skills, along
with other enrichment programs.

The Delta House Development Center is located at 215 S. French Broad
Ave., open Monday through Thursday from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. For more
information contact the center at (828) 254-6804.