“Teaching students wasn’t my original career path, but one I’m glad to be on now. Seeing how I can impact these kids, and seeing how they come back and pour that into the next group, is rewarding.”
Troy Stratton first stepped foot in Murrell Dobbins over 13 years ago. As an employee for Xerox, he went to the school to show graphic design students how to use products the school had recently purchased.
Since then he’s joined the Dobbins community full time. He now teaches in – and chairs – the graphic design program. This program features a student business that connects the school and students to the surrounding community.
“Under Troy’s guidance, the student graphic design business program has become a top choice for digital design work in North Philadelphia,” said Charles Reyes, Community School coordinator for Murrell Dobbins CTE High School. “The community knows that they can rely on these kids at Dobbins, and the kids are learning how important it is to give back to the neighborhood and help people.”
“We’ve had companies in the area hire us to design their flyers, or make them new logos,” said Troy. “We’ve been able to help people with funeral announcements and mass cards, when things happen and money is tight. Those projects are even more important [than paid jobs]. I want the students to understand the importance of helping out the people around you.”
Before the end of last school year, Troy received his Community School Award. He is one of 12 of the year’s Community School Award recipients. Community School Award winners are selected by each school’s Coordinator in honor of their work to support the Community Schools initiative.
For Charles, the decision to nominate Troy as this year’s Dobbins Community School award recipient was easy. “He may not have come here as a Mustang, but he has the heart, soul, and dedication to this community that it takes to be one.”
Last spring, when prom season was in full swing, Troy noticed one of his students wasn’t interested in the festivities. After talking to him, Troy discovered that the student couldn’t afford a suit and tickets to attend. That was when he called on Charles to assist.
“We went to work to help this student,” said Charles. “Troy helped purchase the student’s ticket with money from his own pocket, and I worked with community connections to make the rest happen. The way he goes above and beyond like that is exactly why I selected him for the [Community School] award.”
Congratulations Troy, and thank you for all you do to support Community School students!
The Community Schools initiative is a collaboration between the School District of Philadelphia, the City of Philadelphia, and community partners, and is central to Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney’s vision for public education. Philadelphia currently has 17 designated Community Schools, where a Community School Coordinator supports added school-based programs and services for 10,000 students and their families and neighbors.
