It started as a simple question. Gene Harrelson, a Lake Highlands retiree, asked what he could do to help Northlake Elementary.
Now he has a full-time job, devoting almost eight hours a day to Northlake’s volunteer programs.
He arrives at school at 7:15 a.m. every Monday to help students in the Math Club, which is open to students in the fourth, fifth and sixth grades.
Harrelson uses his 42 years of business experience to teach math basics and expand the students’ knowledge. But in the process of achieving these goals, Harrelson never loses sight of the ultimate task – building self-esteem and character in the children.
The volunteers are business people and retirees, including Harrelson’s wife, Jeannie. Harrelson says: “There is one goal seal guarantee the Math Club gives to each new volunteer: They will forever change many young lives – and perhaps one older one – their own.”
Because of the success of the Math Club, Harrelson and other volunteers have developed a reading program to strengthen the reading skills of the students. Harrelson says the heartbeat of this program is the RE/MAX Realtors who come for an hour every Tuesday morning to work with students.
Plans are in the works for a geography program. Volunteers just finished painting a map of the United States on the playground basketball court. This should command the student’s attention – free throws from Nebraska, a lay-up from Florida or maybe a mid-court jumper at the bell from somewhere in Illinois.
The slogan of Harrelson’s business was “If you can define your problem; we can solve it.” It is obvious he carried this positive approach into his personal life, and is sharing it with the entire community.
More volunteers are needed at Northlake. If you are interested, call principal Kay Shickles at 503-2470.
Baking Her Way Back
Cynthia Strehorn (’70) is back in the area. She sold insurance for her parents at Strehorn Insurance until four years ago when her life changed dramatically. Cynthia underwent two liver transplants. Because of her many side effects and complications, she had to cut back to part-time insurance sales. But that was not enough for her. She opened the “I Knead the Dough Baking Company,” and operates it out of her house. You can call her for your insurance needs or your holiday baking needs at 343-5760.
Also, Cynthia’s daughter, Angela Lee Jerrim Strehorn (’92) is in her second year at Tyler Junior College. She is on the forensics team and in the theatre department.
Moved Home
Dee Southwood Blakey (’73) has returned to Dallas after 10 years. She lived in Tampa, Atlanta and Chicago.
Dee opened The Book Rack, a bookstore in Casa Linda Plaza. The store carries used paperback books that can be traded two for one, or bought at half price. Book Rack also carries games and puzzles for children.
News & Notes
1978 GRADUATES: Jeff Adams and Kelly Schmidt Adams flew to Dallas from New York in August for their 15-year class reunion. Jeff was recently promoted to associate vice president at Dean Witter.
HOME BUILDER: David Hermonat (’73) resides near home base with his wife, Diane, and their five-year-old son, Brian. David is a home builder in the area.
THANK YOU: Many thanks to all of you who responded to the request for grads living in Lake Highlands. I am passing along the information. More names are needed for the directory, as well as volunteers to help assemble the information. If you are interested, call 380-3378.
