Solange Marks: Finding Her Place at Alger B. Wilkins
With her father serving in the military, Solange Marks has attended many schools throughout her life.
After moving to Fayetteville from Alaska, Solange attended Douglas Byrd High School. However, she quickly learned that not all of her credits would transfer and she would be unable to graduate on time.
Enter Alger B. Wilkins High School. Students from across Cumberland County Schools (CCS) who are not thriving in a traditional school setting can apply to A.B.Wilkins. The school offers a fast-track option to students who are capable of high academic achievement but have gotten behind due to family circumstances, moving, health or other factors that may contribute to chronic absenteeism.
The school incorporates the Communities In Schools’ caring philosophy and approach that combines strong personal relationships between staff and students with an intense focus on academic achievement. Communities In Schools uses a proven community development approach to supporting education by unifying the existing resources of communities around children, families and schools as a support system to help young people realize their full potential and take responsibility for their future.
The faculty and staff at Alger B. Wilkins emphasizes the values of caring, respect, high expectations, trust and integrity and are guided by the principle of the student-as-worker and teacher-as-facilitator, enabling each student to take ownership of his/her own education.
“My biggest challenge would be when I had to move in the middle of my junior year resulting in me losing my credits and having to start school over again the same year I would have graduated,” Solange said. “I was able to push through with the help of Alger B. Wilkins and get my credits up within two years.”
Since attending Wilkins, Solange has excelled both socially and academically. She is currently a member of the Student Government Association, serving as the student body president. She is also involved in Spanish Club, Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) and serves on the Yearbook committee.
With a passion for photography, Solange is using her talent to take photos for the yearbook and is also the official photographer of the FBLA club.
“Solange takes her responsibilities very seriously and strives for perfection in every picture she takes for the yearbook,” said Dr. Valerie Johnson-Martin, principal of Alger B. Wilkins.
As Solange looks toward the future, she is finishing high school proud of what she has achieved so far.
“My biggest accomplishment will honestly be finishing school so far because I know how hard of a journey it was,” Solange said. “I always struggled with turning in work or just being present but learned to work with myself on deadlines and not waiting on submitting assignments last minute.”
Next year, Solange plans to expand her creative side by attending Fayetteville Technical Community College and majoring in cosmetology. She would also like to own her own photography business and contribute content to major magazines/social media platforms while modeling on the side.