An Achievable Dream

An Achievable Dream, Inc. is a non-profit organization but more importantly, it operates an actual accredited school within the public school system -- An Achievable Dream Academy -- delivering a social, academic and moral curriculum to children who may not otherwise have hope to achieve their dreams.

It works by setting expectations, guidelines and boundaries, refusing to use poverty as an excuse, and recognizing inner-city kids can meet and often exceed expectations.

ULLC is the staff-development arm for An Achievable Dream. ULLC trained An Achievable Dream teachers in strategies that lead to the school becoming one of the highest achieving, high minority schools in the United States. An Achievable Dream is fully accredited by the commonwealth of Virginia and has made Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) in each of the last 3 years. An Achievable Dream Academy serves as the laboratory school for ULLC.

An Achievable Dream was born in the summer of 1992 as a summer education and tennis program for 100 fourth graders. Wanting to do more for the children of Newport News, businessman Walter Segaloff joined forces with businesses, citizens, Newport News Public Schools, and the City of Newport News to bring about change in the community. Segaloff said it best when he said, we must "build a dam" to prevent children from being carried away with the flow toward failure.

Why Tennis???

Founder Walter Segaloff just knew that by bringing these students onto the tennis courts, the students would not only learn a sports skill, but could also improve their entire person through character development and discipline.

Based on the ideals and success of the Israel Tennis Center, tennis helps focus on building self-esteem and social skills. By emphasizing structure with positive reinforcement and good role models, the students are given useful tools to succeed and excel in both tennis and life. Even further, tennis helps develop critical thinking and stress management skills. "The children learn a strong sense of identity, a greater acceptance of themselves and others, and an understanding that discipline and hard work are necessary to achieve personal goals."

It is the sport that extends past racial boundaries and old prejudices, and a sport that the children can play throughout their business and social lives.

Dr. Thelma Spencer has been with An Achievable Dream Academy for three years serving as the Executive Director. She has also served on the Planning Committee for implementing the Achievable Dream Summer Program and has been on the Advisory Committee since the beginning.

Dr. Spencer has been with the Newport News Public Schools since 1974, serving in such capacities as Counselor, Substance Abuse Intervention Specialist, Supervisor of Guidance, Director of Student Services, and Director of AVID Center Eastern Division before coming to Achievable Dream.

Dr. Spencer holds a Doctorate from the College of William & Mary, a Post Doctorate from George Washington University, a Masters Degree from the University of Tennessee, and a Bachelors Degree from Concord College.

Dr. Spencer feels that the program is dedicated to developing the whole child and has a commitment to each individual child and his/her family.