A Reflection from Banning High School Counselor Captain George Kolarov

Think summer vacation is a time when students stop learning? Not for our Banning High students. As summer comes to a close, our teachers at Banning's Port Academy might notice something different in some of the students - a stronger confidence, a sharper wit, a wider smile. And all for good reason.

Teachers and counselors at our Banning's Port Academies spent the summer busily planning activities, trips, and internships for students. 35 International Trade Academy (ITA) students participated in a five day TopSail Leadership Cruise off the coast of Catalina Island; Global Safety and Security Academy (GSS) sent a group of students to the California Maritime Academy in Vallejo, California; M.A.T.C.H Academy students visited U.C. Merced, and over 50 students from all 4 Port Academies completed an intensive, paid summer Internship Program supported strongly by the Port of Los Angeles.

Each Academy program was uniquely tailored to demonstrate to students the value of discipline, organization, leadership, hard work and follow through. It is not often that school events evoke emotion and a sense of family. But at the end of each activity, each trip, and each internship, volunteers and staff often feel a lump in their throats and a tear in their eyes as they realize the appreciation, excitement and success that students feel in their accomplishments.

The feelings that I experienced as we dropped off two GSS students at the California Maritime Academy to begin their college life meant as much to me as when I dropped off my own sons to begin college 15 years ago.

The impact that we made this summer set a solid foundation for many of the students. And we can thank the hard work, perseverance, and diligence of Banning's Port School staff for the great results. Teachers, counselors and volunteers tirelessly worked through times of frustration and disappointment, investing countless hours planning and encouraging our students that their participation will be worthwhile to their future. It is not an easy process convincing students to enroll for free college classes, apply for plentiful scholarships, complete “paper work” for field trips and take advantage of the many opportunities provided by our marvelous, dedicated business partners. Sometimes, I admit, the work can be so tiring that we wonder, “Why am I doing this?”

But when I think back to the two young ladies we dropped off at Cal Maritime, with a noticeable difference in their attitudes, and confidence, and hope for the future, all of those doubts go away. I realize that those students who may be the hardest to reach are the ones who need us the most.

Please remember our students need our assistance in whatever manner we can help. And even the smallest gesture can make a positive difference for these young adults. There will always be a new graduating class to keep us busy. And we'll always need volunteers waiting for them with open arms.