From Problem Child to Thriving Student

Blog post written by Julie Smith, a director of external affairs for Verizon’s south area. In addition to being a dedicated Verizon volunteer, Julie works with a number of nonprofit and community organizations in the region.

I heard Governor Bob Riley of Alabama tell a story that I will never forget.

There was a boy in Selma, Alabama who was a tremendously difficult behavioral problem in his elementary school. We’ll call him James.

The teachers and school administrators had tried to do everything they could to get James to behave in class and they were at a loss as to what to do next. Until one day when the KidCheck health screening program came to James’ school. Well, lo and behold, James failed the vision screening. James needed glasses and no one knew.

James REALLY needed glasses; this young boy could not see! But, thanks to the follow up care provided by Sight Savers America, James got glasses. James became a different student. He excelled.

Thanks to K