Tymeco Gregory: A Leader on the Field and In the Classroom

Bridges student, Tymeco Gregory was one of five offensive lineman selected for the 2008 Associated Press South Carolina All-State High School Football Team. Ty is a Senior at Greer High School and graduated from Bridges in Summer 2008. He was an amazing Bridges student! Ty was on the Bridges Leadership Team and was selected as one of the Co-Valedictorians of Bridges.

The Greenville News published an article on December 23, 2008 about Ty's selection for the All-State Team. Here is an excerpt from the article written by Bob Castello:

Gregory, who played in the North-South all-star game, helped the Yellow Jackets to more than 400 yards rushing per game. Greer coach Will Young called Gregory "one of the finest offensive lineman I've had the pleasure to coach." "He's not only a good football player, but he's a good person and a good student," Young said. "He's probably one of the best all-around kids we've got in the school. If you asked any of our players who our leader was, they'd tell you it's Tymeco Gregory."

We agree! As a student in Bridges to a Brighter Future, Ty carried himself with integrity, superior maturity, and character. He was held in very high regard by the faculty and counselors. Ty was also highly regarded by his Bridges peers. As a result, they selected him for participation on the Bridges leadership team. I worked closely with the leadership team throughout the summer. My respect for Ty grew daily as I witnessed him single-handily manage very difficult situations with maturity and sensibility. For example, the other males on his hall had gotten a little out of hand one night and did not respect the counselors’ directions and discipline procedures. The next night, Ty held a student-only meeting where he requested his fellow hall mates to respect the counselors, follow the rules, and make good decisions. It is very difficult to stand in front of your peers and tell them what to do, especially when you are telling them to “be good.” Ty is exceptional! We can't wait to see how he uses his leadership skills in college and beyond.

The Gift of Bridges to a Brighter Future

I am often asked, "How much does it cost to run the Bridges program?" It is easy to provide a dollar figure and to even break it down by student. However, it is more difficult to express in words or dollars the profound gift that is, "Bridges to a Brighter Future." It is a gift not only for the participants, but also for all those involved with the program. Teachers, Counselors, and Donors often communicate that they get more out of being involved with Bridges then they feel they could ever give. I too have found myself wondering how I got to this position. The place where you have the opportunity, each day to pour life into a young person. It is challenging and sometimes heartbreaking. However, the pure joys and triumphs outweigh the challenges. In the end we are giving something much greater than any amount of money can define. We are giving vision, hope, strength, determination, love, and support. Take a moment to view the testimonies below. They are our gift to you.

Three Bridges Faculty are Teachers of the Year

We know that all of our Bridges to a Brighter Future teachers are amazing! There is now doubt about it. However, it is really wonderful when other people recognize their talents too! Three of our Bridges teachers have been recognized as 2008-2009 Teachers of the Year at their schools. They are Harvey Choplin, Cathy Grills, and Allison Turza:

Harvey Choplin, Sevier Middle School
“Pa Pa Chop” as the Bridges students refer to him, is our Academic Coordinator. He has worked with Bridges since 2002. In this position, he oversees the daily academic classes, supervises the teachers, and plays an integral role in decision-making and program management. Mr. Choplin graduated from Claflin College in with a B.S. in Mathematics and Science. He has a Master’s Degree from Furman University in Education with a concentration in Mathematics and a Master's plus 30 hours from Furman and Clemson University in Administration. He spent eighteen years teaching mathematics in high school and thirteen years in administration before retiring and returning to teaching. He currently teaches at Sevier Middle School.

Cathy Grills, Duncan Chapel Elementary
Mrs. Grills has been teaching in the Bridges program since 2002. She has been a teacher in Greenville County for 26 years. She began teaching Spanish and English at Parker High School in 1973 and from 1980 until 1983, she taught at Woodmont High School. At both schools she was the Student Council Advisor. Mrs. Grills has been teaching at Duncan Chapel Elementary for 19 years and was named 2008 Teacher of the Year. She has a B.A. in Spanish and an M.A. in Early Childhood Education, both from Furman University and is certified to teach English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL). Mrs. Grills teaches English in Bridges and provides special assistance to our ESOL students.

Allison Turza, J.L. Mann Academy

Mrs. Turza has been teaching in Bridges since 2005. She teaches Science in Bridges to a Brighter Future and is always thinking of ways to engage and excite the Bridges students. Miss Turza is in her seventh year of teaching, of which 3 years have been at JL Mann High School. She teaches not only science, but leads Senior Project for Mann's magnet students and teaches in the newly formed Single Gender Initiative Program. She also advises several student groups including YMCA Youth in Government and Patriot Partners, a mentoring group, which she began last year. Miss Turza was just featured in City People.

Not only have three of our teachers been recognized this year, but some of our teachers have been recognized in past years. They are:

Pat Grills, Riverside High School
2007-2008 Teacher of the Year
2007-2008 Greenville County Teacher of the Year Runner-Up






Kinja King, Greenville Technical Charter High School
2007-2008 Teacher of the Year