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An Achievable Dream was born in the summer of 1992 as a summer education and tennis program for 95 fourth graders. Wanting to do more for the children of Newport News, businessman Walter Segaloff joined forces with businesses, citizens, Newport News Public Schools, and the City of Newport News to bring about change in the community. Segaloff said it best when he said, we must "build a dam" to prevent children from being carried away with the flow toward failure.
Why Tennis???
Founder Walter Segaloff just knew that by bringing these students onto the tennis courts, the students would not only learn a sports skill, but could also improve their entire person through character development and discipline.
Based on the ideals and success of the Israel Tennis Center, tennis helps focus on building self-esteem and social skills. By emphasizing structure with positive reinforcement and good role models, the students are given useful tools to succeed and excel in both tennis and life. Even further, tennis helps develop critical thinking and stress management skills. "The children learn a strong sense of identity, a greater acceptance of themselves and others, and an understanding that discipline and hard work are necessary to achieve personal goals."
It is the sport that extends past racial boundaries and old prejudices, and a sport that the children can play throughout their business and social lives.
1992:
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An Achievable Dream is founded as a summer and after-school tennis and tutoring program for 95 rising 4th graders |
1993:
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Summer and after-school program continues for 200 rising 4th and 5th graders
The Rotary Club of the Virginia Peninsula sponsors first Tennis Ball fundraiser to benefit An Achievable Dream
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1994:
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An Achievable Dream becomes a full-time, extended day school for 400 children in grades 3-5
An Achievable Dream Academy named "Break the Mold School" by Business Week
Soldiers from Ft. Eustis volunteer every morning for character development program
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1995:
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An Achievable Dream adds middle school (grades 6-8) at Dunbar-Erwin |
1997:
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An Achievable Dream founder Walter Segaloff and Principal Jake Wilson receive national Reader's Digest American Heroes in Education Award |
1999:
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An Achievable Dream Academy recognized as National School of Character |
2000:
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An Achievable Dream Academy becomes a year-round school
Grades kindergarten through second grade added for students zoned to Dunbar-Erwin
Along with soldiers from Ft. Eustis, Newport News Sheriff's Deputies volunteer every morning for character development program
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2001:
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An Achievable Dream's first class graduates from high school
An Achievable Dream opens Tennis Center for students and surrounding community
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2002:
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An Achievable Dream students close the achievement gap on Standards of Learning (SOLs) and Academy earns full accreditation by Virginia Standards |
2003:
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An Achievable Dream and Partners: Newport News Public Schools, City of Newport News, U.S. Army at Ft. Eustis, Newport News Sheriff's Department, Riverside Health System, Rotary Club of Virginia Peninsula, the College of William and Mary receive Mutual of America's 2003 Community Partnership Award |
2006:
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An Achievable Dream and Partners receive Bank of America's Neighborhood Builders Award
| 2007:
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Grand Opening of An Achievable Dream Middle and High School (Scheduled for July 2007)
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