Terry Parker Student of the Week

JACKSONVILLE, FL -- A teacher at Terry Parker High School nominated our Student of the Week because, she says, he is the most amazing student she's ever had the pleasure of teaching.

Jermaine Bridges is a senior at Terry Parker High School and he takes college prep courses called AVID which stands for Advancement Via Individual Determination. "Honestly if it wasn't for this program I don't think I would be where I am today and I am extremely grateful for that," said Jermaine.

His AVID Elective teacher of four years, Katrina Blakely nominated Jermaine for Student of the Week. "He was one of those middle of the road kids that just needed a good push. We provide that in the program. He turned out to be an amazing student and amazing young man."

She says in four years, she's seen Jermaine's determination, brilliance, and helpfulness grow.

He's not only an outstanding student, but he tutors all of his peers in mathematics for free. "Before and after school. He gets here around 6:45 in the morning and doesn't leave until 4 in the afternoon and is constantly helping other people," says Blakely.

Jermaine says he does it because he likes math and he likes helping people. "It's always been in me to help people. When people ask me for help I can't turn them down. I can't help it. It's something that's been in me for I don't know how long."

Nearly all of the students he tutors have improved their math grades.

He's looking forward to attending college and then continuing to help students in a subject he loves. "I want to pursue a degree in math education and even become a math teacher here at Terry Parker or become a college professor."

Jermaine has devoted over 100 hours of his time to helping others with math. He's well on his way to reaching 200 hours by the end of the school year.

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