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Floridians Help Lead the Way at CFES National Conference
Cornwall, VT—Gulf and Bay County educators played a key role at the annual CFES (College For Every Student) National Conference in Bolton Landing, NY, on Nov. 13 and 14, 2009. The two-day event brought together educators from 125 schools and 50 college partners in 20 states.
The gathering, 420 people strong, was rounded out by students (grades 7 through 12) from rural and urban schools, where college attendance is becoming the norm under the influence of educators, their college partners, and the CFES programs that unite them.
Representatives from Hawaii and North Dakota opened and closed the conference with traditional native celebrations. This commencement demonstrated the cultural diversity evident throughout the weekend, with Native Americans, Hawaiians, African Americans, Latinos, and Caucasians all sharing their stories and successes.
In his opening remarks, CFES President Rick Dalton celebrated the Floridian K-16 educators and their colleagues: "You are true heroes. You make progress happen and dreams come true."
This sentiment was echoed in a keynote speech by award-winning author Jonathan Kozol (Death at an Early Age, Shame of a Nation, Amazing Graze).
Carol Cathey, a retired Port St. Joe High School teacher and CFES Program Director, facilitated several panels and discussions. Karen Parham and Noelle Stevens, both from Gulf Coast Community College, led a community college workshop. Karen Turner, a guidance counselor at Wewahitchka Middle School, led a panel on incorporating the three CFES core practices (Leadership through Service, Pathways to College, and Mentoring) into one activity.
College for Every Student is a national nonprofit organization based in Cornwall, VT. Since 1991, CFES has worked with over 100,000 students, and currently serves 132 schools in 20 states and the District of Columbia.
Of the 1,600 CFES Scholars who graduated from high school in 2009, 97% are now enrolled in college. For more information, please visit or contact Noah Feder at or (802) 462-3170.
