Michael Tierney:  

I have been to 2 park forest reunions--my 25th and the all classes 50 years and have since gotten together with folks who were part of the reveilleir,drama,debate, student gov't crowd a couple of times. I find that community, ALPS, and Blackhawk make me think of PF the most. After Rich east/ALPS I went to Harvard on the five year plan (took a year in 78-79 to volunteer in very rural WV and found my lifeswork). ALPS inspired me to set up an independent major to look at education in and out of schools--Great fun that allowed me to do a lot of community work as my work study jobs and for independent study credit in college (if your kids are looking at how to do this, I am really, really good at setting up internships). I have developed community education and leadership programs ever since: an applachian studies class at a school I had to walk five miles through creeks and mountain paths to reach during my year off, a community journalism program at south boston high school (in the thick of the desegregation violence) from my junior year of college through 87. And since 88 running a community based non profit step by step, in rural and inner city WV. We've worked on issues like sexual abuse, foster care,disability rights, arts and culture, rural community development, jobs programs, anti bullying campaigns, parent leadership, etc. After 20 years STep by Step has a half dozen year round staff, 21 VISTAs, and about 30 part time seasonal after school and summer staff. I love my job. Have been marr...Expand for more