A message from the principal

To all my Delevan Drive Students:

As this school year comes to a close, I think about how I have seen all of you grow. You are not the same students who entered here on the first day of school. Yes, you are different! You are exceptional individuals with increased knowledge, better developed skills, and refined talents.

The yearbook them this year is LEADERSHIP. Warren Bennis states that, "Leadership is a capacity to translate visions into reality." This means I have seen your ideas.... whether is is setting your personal goals in your academic studies...whether it is learning a new instrument....whether it is preparing to win a game....whether it is creating a performance in front of an audience. You have taken your plans your vision and made them happen! You've made them sucessfual event and have affected your classmates, teachers, and parents around you in a postive and inspirational way! Through your endeavors, you've become leaders. Leaders that share that is, you provide and exchnage information allowing meaningful discussions where all can benefit and grow. Leaders that coach - that is, through modeling, you guide your classmates to discover their underutilized potential and make them successful. Leaders that empower- that is, you help others around you gain confidence in themselves while having confidence in you as well. Leaders that stretch - that is, you challenge old habits and take risks! You push towards doing more and going beyong what is expected.

I am so proud of your academic and social achievements. Your perseverane and effort have helped Delevan Drive reach an Academic Performance Index (API) score of 863! We reached our goal of staying above 800! Please continue to always do your best in school and success will follow!

For those I will have the pleasure of seeing next school year, I applaud you for being promoted to the next grade level! This is definitely an accomplishment wroth recognizing as you completed the assignments of the best teachers in the Los Angeles Unified School District.

To the CULMINATING CLASS OF 2008, you leave me with a deep sense of pride and affection. I have watched you develop in responsible, knowledgeable, and compassionate citizens! You entertained me with your athletic abilities in the March Madness Basketball Tournament. You inspired me with your locking dance talents in the Hip Hop Program. You captivated me with your singing and dancing in the Winter Holiday Program. Furthermore, you impressed me with all your ingenuity and hard work in your class assignments. Without a doubt, I know you will carry on in the tradition of the thousands of Delevan Drive students who preceded you by becoming leaders, role models, and active participants in middle school!

Always strive for excellence! I wish you all continued success in achieving your goals!

Sincerely yours,

Yolanda B. Hamilton
Principal

"To often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all which have the potential to turn a life around." Leo Buscaglia

Delevan Drive Highlights