The stereotype of school is that it’s a boring place where mean teachers force you to do things you don’t want to do. Too often, the stereotype is true. Or worse. In order to enjoy getting an education, students really need places like Still Waters In a Storm, where everyone in the room takes for granted that reading and thinking and learning are fun even for their own sake, where they can explore, stretch their potential, learn to think, and be smart in an environment where peer pressure is what moves them toward knowledge and excellence, not the fear of punishment, nor even the need for professional skills. The program truly opens minds and changes lives.

James Hannaham