Meeting Challenges

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BELMONT HEIGHTS - Shirley Harvey began her Hillsborough County School District career at Gary Adult High School.

Starting in 1973, she worked half days there as a speech therapist for four years.

'Now I'm coming full circle because I'll eventually retire from here,' said Harvey, sitting in her principal office, having been named recently to the top job at the school, 5101 N. 40th St.

Gary occupies a $4.8 million pale cream and blue structure built in 2006. It's night and day from its previous home, the historical school at 3610 E. 10th Ave. Built in 1913, the school was so dilapidated students were in portables for a year before moving north to the new facility.

'I have precious memories of the old school,' said Harvey, smirking. 'It was always a joy.'

Gary has 450 students, including those at numerous extension sites. Harvey doesn't label her students as troubled, saying most had challenges getting a high school diploma in a traditional setting. Some have difficulty with English; others have disabilities.

'We have a very motivated and dedicated staff,' said Harvey, who came to Gary from Gibsonton's Eisenhower Middle School, where she was assistant principal. She has a bachelor's degree from Florida A&M University and her doctorate from the University of Sarasota.

About 120 students graduated in the 2006-07 school year. Gary's motto: We Can. We Will. We Must.

Harvey said it's imperative that others understand her vision: Students succeed at Gary and in life afterward.

Even with her tough requirements, the students aren't shy around Harvey, who lives in Brandon but drives every Sunday to church in her native Dade City to hear her preacher brother.

She offers hugs but also is bluntly correcting as she walks the halls.

'Hat off,' she said to one student, alluding to the posted rules which range from no cell phones to no smoking.

Tae Woodard, 17, was greeted warmly by Harvey as he walked the hall. As the two exchanged chitchat, he said he likes Gary and especially the principal.

'She's the best,' said Brandon Kelley, 18, sitting in the nearby GED class.

'Let's move it,' Harvey admonished students, back in a crowded hallway after a quick stop in the GED room.

Media specialist David Wampole is among the educators who have tried to create a warm feeling in the modern school. His media room of 12 computers has a stuffed chair and round tables.

'We serve a more adult audience,' he said.

English teacher Geraldine White has a rocking chair, floor lamp, pillows and a basket of educational puzzles in her room.

King High School staff bring in sandwiches, beverages and snacks for Gary students and staff in lieu of a cafeteria.

'Some students may be taking one or two credits; others are here all day,' Harvey said. 'It's a revolving door - but in a controlled way.'