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Rickey Powell

RICKEY POWELL

Deering High School

Sometimes Rickey Powell wasn't even sure how he'd get to school.

By Powell's estimate, he has lived in at least five different homes this year.

But Powell, 18, was able to graduate from Deering High School by using the school's Alternative Credit Option, a program designed to help students in danger of dropping out.

Powell said he was raised largely in foster homes; he legally emancipated himself from his family when he was 17.

This year, he's been staying with friends and with family.

"The only thing on my mind was, 'Am I going to be able to get to school?'" said Powell.

Not only did Powell graduate, but he did it a year ahead of schedule.

"When I was younger, I was held back," Powell said. "I wanted to graduate on time, just for some of the scar healing; I decided I wanted to take on the responsibility of graduating a year early."

Powell said he stayed away from drugs and alcohol and worked hard.

He said the Alternative Credit Option is not an easy way out.

There were times when Powell thought he wouldn't make it.

"I almost called it quits," he said. But when he was -- literally -- about to walk out the door, Powell told himself, "I will be something in my life."

Throughout his life, Powell has suffered from anxiety.

"I have a hard time speaking socially -- I get really nervous and shaky."

But this year, Powell managed his fear so he could speak in public about the merits of an alcohol and drug prevention class that he was taking.

"It was something I never would have even given a shot," he said. "I said, 'I can do this. It's going to be all right.' Ever since then it's kind of improved."

Powell is enrolled in a delayed-entry program with the Marine Corps.

"I was looking for that family foundation," Powell said of his decision to enlist. "When I grew up, I never really had that."

Staff Writer Isaac Kestenbaum can be contacted at 791-6308 or at:

ikestenbaum@pressherald.com