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Volume XXXXI, Number 5
Wednesday • February 2, 2011
7 0
Established ir» in 1 0 1970
Committed to Cultural Diversity
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Jefferson’s Middle College Point Man
Damon Hickok is a key
figure in school’s future
by C liff
P fenning
T he P ortland O bserver
At the public meeting promoting the Middle College at
Jefferson High School, parents and students heard from a
variety of speakers, including Self-Enhancement Inc., founder
Tony Hopson, Jefferson Principal Toni Hunter and Portland
Community College Cascade Campus President Algie
Gatewood.
They didn't hear from Damon Hickok, although he got
acknowledged several times for his efforts.
Hickok is in charge ol the Middle College program on the
PCC Cascade Campus, which makes him something akin to
a coach of a sports team as he works to produce a healthy
program while attracting new students.
His outlook on the Middle College program is similar to a
college coach as well.
“We have a great program here and we want it to reach as
many kids as possible,” says Hickok, 39. “I’m on the lookout
for kids who are doing things above and beyond going to
school because they’re good candidates for success here.
"But, they have to want to come here. They have to put
that effort in. They have to be able to walk across the street,
make that first, basic, commitment to be in our program. If they
can t do that, they’re not going to be successful here,” he
said.
The Middle College program will become the main focus
at Jefferson in the fall when the new school year begins. It’s
such a major selling point to parents that Jefferson’s name
will change to Jefferson High School - Middle College for
Advanced Studies. While students are not required to en
gage in the Middle College program currently, they will be in
uarnon hickok works to get Jefferson students ready for college as director o f the Middle College program ,
ort and Community College's Cascade Campus, which sits directly across Killingsworth Street from the nor
Portland high school.
the future, starting with the upcoming freshman class. During
their lour years, they’ll take between two and 15 classes on the
PCC campus.
continued
on page 17
Film Director Opens Festival
Series puts Africa and black history into focus
Portland Community College’s Festival of African Films,
organized by dedicated volunteers, is bringing an acclaimed
director to Portland this week to kick off the 21st annual
event.
The festival honors Black History Month and is held
Acclaimed film director Mahamat-Seleh Haroun will
be in Portland this week to help kick o ff Portland
Community College's 2 1 s t Cascade Festival o f
African Films and attend a screening o f his award
winning film, ‘A Screaming Man. '
Thursdays through Saturdays from Friday, Feb. 4 through
March 5.
It will open with the visit of Mahamat-Saleh Harun, who
will show his latest award-winning film, “A Screaming Man”
at the Hollywood Theatre, 4122 N.E. Sandy Blvd. on Friday
Feb. 4.
The director fails from Chad and lives in France. “A
Screaming Man' won the prestigious Jury Award at the
Cannes Film Festival in 2010 and Haroun’s previous films
have been festival favorites over the years. Attendees will
continued
on page 21