Nashville Student Focuses On Graduation at Non-Traditional Academy at Old Cockrill
Dealing with Chronic illness is just one of the issues students can face during school. The resulting stress, absences and falling behind can sometimes make dropping out an attractive option. For the Southern Education Desk series “Back on Track,” Nashville Public Television tells us about Ben, a young man who faces struggles, but is determined to graduate from The Academy at Old Cockrill.
Ben, a senior at The Academy at Old Cockrill in Nashville, battles a chronic illness – epilepsy. He’s also battled the temptation to drop out of school.
“I was an honors student up until around sophomore year. I started missing a lot of school because with my epilepsy, I couldn’t go if I had a seizure or something,” he says.
Not going to school became a habit, and Ben began falling behind in his classes, he says.
He landed at Old Cockrill, a Nashville school designed for students who need flexibility to get their degree.
“It’s really different. The classes are about two and a half hours. That gives me more time to focus,” he says. What’s even better, Ben says there’s less stress for him now in school, and that’s better for his medical condition.
“It was important for me knowing that I do have a second chance,” he says. “I can succeed. I’m not a failure.”
This report was produced by the Southern Education Desk. It is supported by a grant from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting in observance of American Graduate Day on Saturday, October 3.
Supreme Court will weigh in on Trump’s tariffs. Here’s what to know about the case
Two lower courts have said some of President Trump's tariffs are unlawful. Now the Supreme Court has agreed to examine the issue.
Iran and the IAEA are expected to resume cooperation under agreement backed by Egypt
Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency signed an agreement in Cairo to pave the way for resuming cooperation, including on ways of relaunching inspections of Iran's nuclear facilities.
Birmingham youth choir returns to the stage after golden buzzer moment
The Birmingham Youth and Young Adult Choir returns to NBC's "America's Got Talent" Tuesday evening after having won one of the show's golden buzzers earlier this summer.
The MAHA plan for healthier kids includes 128 ideas, but few details
The Make America Healthy Again commission is proposing more than 100 moves to address the root causes of childhood chronic disease. Critics say other Trump administration moves contradict the goals.
60 years later, Sandy Koufax’s perfect game is still amazing
Tuesday marks 60 years since Sandy Koufax threw a perfect game at Dodger Stadium. The 1-0 victory over the Chicago Cubs is still considered one of the best games in baseball history.
Ed Sheeran to perform live Tiny Desk concert
Ed Sheeran will step behind the Tiny Desk this Friday, Sept. 12 for a livestream via YouTube.
