Current P.A.R.K. Students
Rodrick McCollum, Jr.
Rodrick McCollum will tell anyone who asks that since arriving at P.A.R.K. five years ago he has gone from being anti-social to having lots of friends. And on top of that, his grades have improved dramatically.
“P.A.R.K. has completely changed my life,” stated the P.A.R.K. and Parkview High 12th grader. “Since I’ve been here, I’ve done a complete 180.”
Monique Martin-Palmer, P.A.R.K.’s Education Outreach Coordinator, couldn’t agree more.
“Rodrick started the program a shy and quiet kid. He often tried to fade into the background. Over five years, we have seen him blossom here at P.A.R.K. He has improved his grades, stepped into leadership roles, and is very active in his community.”
Rodrick’s active life includes involvement at school and in church as well as in his community. At Parkview he is a member of FBLA, Gentlemen’s Club, FCLA, Alpha Omega and baseball. At his church he is in both the youth and adult choirs, sits on the usher board, serves as secretary of Sunday School, is involved in ministering hands, and is Youth President. In Little Rock he has participated in Race For the Cure and nursing home visits.
Rodrick’s family includes his mother Diane, father Rodrick, Sr., sister Tasha, and brother Ryan. And while he loves his family, he says P.A.R.K. gives him someone else he can talk to instead of his relatives.
“The staff listens to my problems and helps me solve them,” he declared.
Everyone who works at P.A.R.K. would surely agree with Martin-Palmer’s assessment of Rodrick: “It has been great watching him blossom where he has been planted.”
The future definitely looks bright for Rodrick McCollum, Jr.