Indianapolis' latest murder victim died senselessly at an under-21 club after an altercation inside the club led to his shooting outside in the parking lot. Seventeen-year-old Eric Hendricks, the victim, was a high school dropout. WRTV reports:"He (Hendricks) had some prior arrests," [Detective Christine] Mannina said. "But speaking with the family, they seem to be a real nice, cooperating family."
Hendricks' grandmother and guardian told 6News that he had been in trouble before, but was a good kid. She said the former Pike High School student was working on getting a GED.
No one can say with certainty that Hendricks would be alive today if he had stayed in school, but we know the odds are against high school dropouts making it in today's world. If we really want to reduce crime, we need to learn how to effectively educate our children. Until we begin to place a higher value on education, we're going to continue to see more senseless killings like this one.
3 comments:
I am a high school dropout who returned to school and received my high school diploma. As a working adult, I have gone on to receive 2 undergrad college degrees and am currently working on my MBA.
My achievements are largely due to self-motivation and a 'never say die' mentality. I fear we are raising 'weak' children who lack motivation and much-needed mentors to help them succeed. If someone can point me in the direction of a good organization that helps dropouts achieve their education, I am at a point in my life where I'd be able to volunteer my time.
Gary, I completely agree. The problem is we've been tricked into mostly defining "crime prevention" as what happens to a perp AFTER a crime has already been committed.
10:04 - My compliments to you for realizing what awaited you as a high school dropout and gone on to achieve.
Sometimes a dose of reality is all that is needed.
For your 2nd paragraph I'm now aware offhand of such a group. Perhaps a call tomorrow to either United Way (since they hold the purse strings to many groups) or the Mayor's Action Center could point you in a direction.
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