Ron Derry talks with Pointview students about the value of perseverance.
When faced with the onset of blindness as an adult, teacher and coach Ron Derry had to decide whether he was going to carry on with a productive life, or let his medical condition defeat him. He decided a positive attitude would be needed to move forward and overcome this obstacle, so he founded the GOOD Program – Going On Or Defeated. He brought his message of hope and perseverance to students at Pointview Elementary School on February 7.
The GOOD Program, in partnership with the Lions Club, encourages pupils to do their best and recognizes good citizenship and study habits. Its main objective is to provide youngsters with proof that all problems can be overcome. Students were encouraged to:
- Attend school on a regular basis and complete homework assignments on time;
- Display neatness and accuracy on all written work;
- Prepare for all announced tests;
- Show interest in learning by asking appropriate questions;
- Be a good listener in class;
- Show respect for administrators, teachers and all other school personnel;
- Do their part to see that their classroom is conducive to a good learning environment;
- Display acts of good citizenship on a daily basis; and
- Show acts of caring towards other people who are in difficult situations.