In Search of the Human Spirit

Two years ago, Malcolm X Academy was considered school in the San Francisco School District when it came to attendance. In 2003, only 88.4 of the students showed up on any given day. A school’s goal is 90% or higher. After instituting an incentive program, attendance shot up to 95% in 2004 and is climbing in 2005.

The program centers around rewarding kids for good behavior. In this case, showing up. Kids earn up to 10 tickets a week for attendance, completing homework, and behaving. Kids can exchange tickets to buy things at the school store or they can save them for the raffles held every couple of months. The raffle winner gets a bike–not a bad prize!

There are critics of the program. Some say it teaches kids to shoot for a reward and not life skills. However, you can’t knock results. Since the programs inception, attendance is up and bad behavior is done. As adults, we enjoy incentives for hard work. Why wouldn’t the same apply to kids?

Last week, 10 year old Thia Megia got the chance of a lifetime. She sang the national anthem at the 49ers football game. This is quite an honor for any singer. To be asked at 10 years old is remarkable.

This is the daughter of Filipino immigrants. She began singing when she was four years old. Her parents realized she had a gift and have supported her all the way. They’ve paid for lessons and made long treks wherever their daughter’s career takes her. Her mother loves to hear her sing though she admits that her performances make her nervous.

It’s not easy for most to sing the “Star Spangled Banner”. The high notes at the end send many singers over the edge. Some fake it and play prerecorded performance so as not to blunder. But, Thia sang her heart out and did a wonderful job! Not bad for a kid singing before several thousand people.