By Sandi

December 31, 2008 1:59 PM | Link to this

I cannot think of any organization more deserving. Mr. Clark is an inspiration to us all. Congratulations!

By CTG

December 31, 2008 2:02 PM | Link to this

What a wonderful story. When some people give to others they make a big deal about it so that everyone can praise them for giving. Kudos Oprah for just simply giving.

By Esther James

December 31, 2008 2:07 PM | Link to this

What a wonderful gift. Ron Clark keep up the good work. Thanks, Oprah.

By Winn30344

December 31, 2008 2:09 PM | Link to this

What a great story..warms the heart.

By Theresa

December 31, 2008 2:20 PM | Link to this

What a wonderful gift! I don’t know Ron Clark, the school or any of the children, but when I saw their “politics song” - “You can vote however you like”…I thought what a genius to take a Rap Song and make it into a political song that the children will learn so much from - I saw them perform on Fox5 Atlanta morning broadcast with Mark Hayes, etc. - and thought “this reminds me of Robin Williams in Dead Poet Society….it’s so important to get creative to teach our children and we have to reach them “where they are” - Ron Clark you are a trailblazer in your field and I am sure you have been told that before! Keep up the good work, may you continue to be blessed for all that you do for the CHILDREN! LOVED THE SONG!! And am a huge Obama supporter but would have enjoyed it either way! HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL AT THE RON CLARK ACADEMY!

By Theresa

December 31, 2008 2:21 PM | Link to this

What a wonderful gift! I don’t know Ron Clark, the school or any of the children, but when I saw their “politics song” - “You can vote however you like”…I thought what a genius to take a Rap Song and make it into a political song that the children will learn so much from - I saw them perform on Fox5 Atlanta morning broadcast with Mark Hayes, etc. - and thought “this reminds me of Robin Williams in Dead Poet Society….it’s so important to get creative to teach our children and we have to reach them “where they are” - Ron Clark you are a trailblazer in your field and I am sure you have been told that before! Keep up the good work, may you continue to be blessed for all that you do for the CHILDREN! LOVED THE SONG!! And am a huge Obama supporter but would have enjoyed it either way! HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL AT THE RON CLARK ACADEMY!

By ForMatureAudiencesOnly

December 31, 2008 2:26 PM | Link to this

Big ups Mr. Clark!

He is what the Japanese car manufacturers are to the American car manufactures. The only thing our public (City of Atlanta in particular) schools has to do is COPY HIM!. But nooooooooooooo, were to damn arrogant and stubborn in our own ways.

Kudos to Mr. Clark. At least he’s doing something

By Theresa

December 31, 2008 2:28 PM | Link to this

What a wonderful gift! I don’t know Ron Clark, the school or any of the children, but when I saw their “politics song” - “You can vote however you like”…I thought what a genius to take a Rap Song and make it into a political song that the children will learn so much from - I saw them perform on Fox5 Atlanta morning broadcast with Mark Hayes, etc. - and thought “this reminds me of Robin Williams in Dead Poet Society….it’s so important to get creative to teach our children and we have to reach them “where they are” - Ron Clark you are a trailblazer in your field and I am sure you have been told that before! Keep up the good work, may you continue to be blessed for all that you do for the CHILDREN! LOVED THE SONG!! And am a huge Obama supporter but would have enjoyed it either way! HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL AT THE RON CLARK ACADEMY!

By HigherStars

December 31, 2008 2:52 PM | Link to this

Job well done Mr. Ron Clark! quoted by Oprah, is right…You really have a gift with our youth of today and it’s proven through those kids in everyway…Praying for you and your family, hope you many blessings to come…

By Barbara Link

December 31, 2008 3:04 PM | Link to this

what a wonderful Gift.When i say the kids on fox5 New I throught they were good.Thanks to Oprah she is a very nice and wonderful woman I Thank God for her.

By JSMutiga

December 31, 2008 3:15 PM | Link to this

That was a owesome gift from Oprah. Oprah, thats for all what you do for our kids in persuit of their health, education, wellbeing, togetherness, etc,etc. God will continue blessing you more. Mr. Ron Clark, thank you very much in all what you are doing at Ron Academy. Your tireless effort in promoting education of the less fortunate has been witnessed by everybody. May God lead you as you venture into more better ways of promoting education for the less fortunate.

By KBC

December 31, 2008 3:26 PM | Link to this

Congratulations to the Academy, I don’t know much about the school, but it really sounds like they are a very deserving institution. I am a former student from Morris Brown College. I am sure that there are alot of wealthy stars, athletes, entertainers, that have more money on their hands that they could possibly spend in their lifetime. I say this to say that if all of the mentioned above donated $1,000 to Morris Brown College, which is a Historically Black College, the school could take the next step forward to regaining it’s accreditation. OPRAH PLEASE HELP MORRIS BROWN COLLEGE!!!! GOD BLESS THE RON CLARK ACADEMY

By malika

December 31, 2008 3:42 PM | Link to this

while i think its AWESOME that oprah did this for this school (education is a wonderful thing) i hope she sends a check over to morris brown college. i’d hate for a historically black college to go down the tubes because we as a community forget or choose not to support it.

By Rich

December 31, 2008 3:49 PM | Link to this

How tacky that after such a wonderful gesture that you would try to turn it around to your own benefit. No wonder Morris Brown is going under.

By Kari

December 31, 2008 4:00 PM | Link to this

Yes, it is wonderful that Ron Clarks’ academy received Oprah’s money. I loved the “election song - thought they were giving both parties equal dues, but did you also know that children sang a “patriotic song” to Hitler when he was in office?

By principal14

December 31, 2008 4:02 PM | Link to this

What an inspiration Ron Clark is! I met him when he spoke to our faculty and returned to speak to our parents and he really is full of energy and vision for students and their futures! He deserves every bit of the praise for bringing the Ron Clark Academy to life!!!

By Nars

December 31, 2008 4:03 PM | Link to this

What about the Morris Brown alumni?

By RJ

December 31, 2008 4:05 PM | Link to this

Thanks Malika for pointing that out. It’s awesome that Oprah is so giving to schools, and I do hope that she, or someone else steps up and helps to keep this school open. This is the school where “Mama King” attended! As well as many other great African Americans.

And Rich it wasn’t tacky, just an observation. Lighten up!

By principal14

December 31, 2008 4:05 PM | Link to this

What an inspiration Ron Clark is! I met him when he spoke to our faculty and returned to speak to our parents and he really is full of energy and vision for students and their futures! He deserves every bit of the praise for bringing the Ron Clark Academy to life!!!

By principal14

December 31, 2008 4:08 PM | Link to this

What an inspiration Ron Clark is! I met him when he spoke to our faculty and returned to speak to our parents and he really is full of energy and vision for students and their futures! He deserves every bit of the praise for bringing the Ron Clark Academy to life!!!

By mo

December 31, 2008 4:09 PM | Link to this

Thanks again Oprah for supporting organizations that are “safe.” Way to go keeping your money from going to anything “mainstream” America would find controversial!!! Wow, what a humanitarian. And yes, please give more to Spelman/Morehouse

….how about that school up there in Cambridge, Mass…i think it’s called Howard….or Harvard….something like that.

They REALLY need money… their endowment is only in the billions, please help!!!

By Reign

December 31, 2008 4:14 PM | Link to this

I heard the boys sing the politics song and I thought, how awesome. I was extremely impressed. I had never heard of the Ron Clark academy (and I live in Atlanta) until this blog. I didn’t know those boys were being educated here. Thank you Ron Clark for what you’re doing. Excellent way to use imagination, creativity and educating the children in a way that they can “get it.” And as always, Thank you Oprah for doing what you do. It’s crazy for everyone to think that Oprah should be the savior of everything. If any Atlanta school or organization or whatever is having a problem, there’s enough celebrities, politicians and business men and women with money to make sure they have what they need. Instead of buying guns and drugs and bling, invest in your city and communities. Real simple.

By Chief Wiggum

December 31, 2008 4:22 PM | Link to this

Some of you folks need to lay off the enter key. Come on…multiple posts of the same thing. Patience…it is going through!

I think the idea of an innovative school is a great one. I don’t like seeing the mixture of politics involved, though.

By elementary teacher and mom

December 31, 2008 4:27 PM | Link to this

What a wonderful gift!! I’ve seen Ron Clark speak and am SO impressed with his passion. We have some great teachers in the system I work in, but I would venture to say that few are willing to go that extra mile to ensure student success. He is so focused on the students that he is able to do wonderful things. As educators, we are so focused on test scores, AYP, and not rocking the boat that we rarely step outside our comfort zone and just do what it takes to help students learn. (Not all teachers, but many would agree with me.) So…we keep doing what we’ve always done and we keep getting the same results. You’d think those who have the power to make sweeping changes in education would stand up and take notice. (i.e. politicians, state and district level administrators) Most of our teachers know they need to do soemthing different to get students engaged and learning; they just don’t have the time, energy, or support from local and district administrators to take that leap of faith, especially with middle and high school students. It’s easier to just stick with the status quo. Sad, but true. Kudos to Ron Cark for being innovative, getting out and meeting parents and community members and putting STUDENTS first in his school! I applaud Ron Clark and ALL educators who go that extra mile for students.

By fed up

December 31, 2008 4:35 PM | Link to this

I agree with Nars what about the Morris Brown alumni?? There are a lot of wealthy African American entertainers, sports figures etc., they should step up to the plate for Morris Brown as well.

By darb

December 31, 2008 4:55 PM | Link to this

Maybe Morehouse can get Okra to put up some money to get them out of the doghouse too? Someone needs to come to their recue, and I doubt Bill Cosby has any reason to give the anymore money. Maybe even the MLK foundation, or have his children already gone through that money too.

By John

December 31, 2008 5:04 PM | Link to this

What a great story! Congratulations, and keep up the good work!

By Roberto

December 31, 2008 5:08 PM | Link to this

It’s amazing to see what a young gay man can do in this world. Too bad we still discriminate against them. Ron Clark is good enough to teach our children, but not good enough to marry a person of the same sex. Amazing. Simply Amazing.

By Rufus

December 31, 2008 5:08 PM | Link to this

Darb, Oprah has given millions of her money to Morehouse.They are good. Top school. The school that needs help is Morris Brown. Since you are dishing out money thats not yours why don’t you dish out some of your own money quietly like others who really care. So negative and probably miserable.

By Rufus

December 31, 2008 5:10 PM | Link to this

Darb, Oprah has given millions of her money to Morehouse.They are good. Top school. The school that needs help is Morris Brown. Since you are dishing out money thats not yours why don’t you dish out some of your own money quietly like others who really care. So negative and probably miserable.

By Rufus

December 31, 2008 5:11 PM | Link to this

Darb, Oprah has given millions of her money to Morehouse.They are good. Top school. The school that needs help is Morris Brown. Since you are dishing out money thats not yours why don’t you dish out some of your own money quietly like others who really care. So negative and probably miserable.

By Old School Al

December 31, 2008 5:31 PM | Link to this

Roberto, maybe I missed something, but I don’t recall Ron Clark advertising his private life. He may be gay, but in my eyes, he is more of a MAN than most males. He is willing to take the time to educate our boys to make them MEN, rather than put it off on someone else. While I have no problem with his sexual preference, you know that there are many who will want to crucify him because of it. Don’t give them reason to rain on his parade. Kudos to Ron Clark! Keep up the good work!!!

By TLS

December 31, 2008 5:54 PM | Link to this

What about Morris Brown, you people are so ignorant because of poor leadership, and mishandling of money Morris Brown is going through this mess now. I don’t blame Oprah for giving HER MONEY to something that she see is working, whether it be black or white. (and for the record I’m black)You people yeah I said it, feel that just because Oprah is black that she is only supposed to help blacks, that is not how this world works, nor Barack Obamas or Martin Luthers Kings dream is. (Even though I’m sure Martin is twisting in his grave over the poor excuses he has for children) Applaud Oprah and Mr. Clark for what they have done and are doing. The leadership of black folk is what got Morris Brown going down the tubes……..

By KSB

December 31, 2008 6:22 PM | Link to this

I CONGRADULATE OPRAH FOR RECOGNIZING RON CLARKS WORK. AND THE IMPORTANCE OF EDUCATION. ABOUT MORRIS BROWN I TRULY HOPE THEY ARE ABLE TO MAKE IT BUT WHAT HAS THE AME CHURCH DONE TO ASSIST THE SCHOOL OR ARE THEY THE PROBLEM?

By dee

December 31, 2008 6:31 PM | Link to this

I can’t believe people are actually trying to get money from Oprah donation to help out Morris Brown. The alumni of the college should at least send in 25.00 to get the bill paid.

By dee

December 31, 2008 6:31 PM | Link to this

I can’t believe people are actually trying to get money from Oprah donation to help out Morris Brown. The alumni of the college should at least send in 25.00 to get the bill paid.

By yummy37

December 31, 2008 7:16 PM | Link to this

I think Morris Brown College could have used it more.

By TLS

December 31, 2008 7:20 PM | Link to this

They could have used it but do they deserve it NOPE. Just more money for them to squander…….

By Old Physics Teacher

December 31, 2008 7:28 PM | Link to this

I too met Mr. Clark. I also believe he is a great teacher. I also believe that if ANY principal REQUIRES parental INVOLVEMENT with THEIR children, and the school spends 2.4 million dollars to educate 78 students (uh, that’s 30.8k per students), most any school could show great positive effects. that’s not a dig at Mr. Clark; that’s simply a physicist looking at facts.

By say what?

December 31, 2008 7:36 PM | Link to this

Everyone wanting to help the Ron Clark Academy- go for a visit, big indoor slide and all. you will see how education works without beaurocratic red tape. When Mr. Clark could not teach the way his mind processes because of rules rules rules, he left and see what a beautiful mind can achieve. Him standing on tables during his speech is funny, but you can see that he really thinks and acts out of the box. If we allowed our students to have at least ONE Mr. Clark in a school we would have more stories of success rather that stories of high dropout rates. This private academy is wonderful, has access to the same resources as public schools, few parents able to pay for the school, and kids from a variety of backgrounds yet it SUCCEEDS.
Oprah is making an investment in future leaders, not the bills of past leaders/failures. We ask for the government to make an investment in our youth, but because of politics and socioeconomic hatred, it cannot. Oprah has kept up with the academy, she sees that Ron Clark takes little if any salary for himself, and he works hard to get donations-including speaking arrangements. This is another well deserved investment in the future. Thanks Oprah for your gift, and thanks Ron Clark for your dedication.

By RealDeal

December 31, 2008 8:33 PM | Link to this

Ron Clark Academy is awesome - I am happy he is doing wonderful things in the black community. Those kids are exposed to things most people don’t see at all. Trips to Paris, etc…its truly great that Oprah rewarded his vision.

And to the people bringing up the crumbling MBC, why should we tell Oprah where to give her money? Where is your money? the MBC alumni money? I went to a HBCU, but MBC is a mismanaged mess…and I wouldn’t send my dog to that school.

By Ann King

December 31, 2008 8:53 PM | Link to this

I am so proud of this school and it’s achievement. I’m am a black African American female who is is employed, but totally disagreed with Morris Brown’s bail out again. I have had co-workers along with myself to give money for the first crisis that Morris Brown had a couple of years ago. Don’t get me wrong, I have greqt affect for my black leaders, but you must be a leader with the mind set of the cause that you are leading and not for self worth. A lot of black people said negative things about Bill Cosby’s speech about buying expensive shoes for your child while you would not invest in a computer for your child’s education. Yes, I agreed with Mr. Cosby’s statement why buy hundred dollar shoes when your kid cannot spell one hundred . I am a 52 year old mother of one who is now thrity one and earns a living for himself. My motto with him is that from the time you were born you have three strikes against you. Number one your were born black; number two you were born a black male and number three that means working triple times harder than your white counterpart. Don’t give excuses for our black community, make them accountable for their actions and non-actions in bringing up the black children of today. Make the kids accountable for their heritage and plain and simply just be a parent that care about your child’s spirtual, educational and self esteem life.

By Darius Pratt

December 31, 2008 9:25 PM | Link to this

The White Man leads the way, as usual.

Thank you to the White man!

By NavyMom

December 31, 2008 9:47 PM | Link to this

CONGRATULATIONS Mr. Clark for doing what few or NONE would have even considered. KUDOS and my hat is off to you.

Darius Pratt go to church and pray that hatred away. This has nothing to do with the “White Man” His cause is fighting illiteray and helping OUR inner city youth. In case you didn’t read or look at the article I didn’t see any or many white kids. Stop with your crap and YOU DO SOMETHING to help OUR KIDS instead of complaining.

By MJT

December 31, 2008 10:02 PM | Link to this

Give secretly God rewards openly…….Be a giver without the whole world knowing about your giving. Once you givve in secret, God will bless you without anyone knowing about what you did. Most people like to be heard and seen of men. You have your reward.

By Darius Pratt

December 31, 2008 10:13 PM | Link to this

Navy Mom, I’m serious. Thank you to the White Man!

By Darius Pratt

December 31, 2008 10:15 PM | Link to this

And GO NAVY! :)

By Pam Sewell

December 31, 2008 10:53 PM | Link to this

Best wihes for a good program. I wish all parents had choice about where to send kids to school.

By The truth

December 31, 2008 11:14 PM | Link to this

What are you going to say when in two years it shows he was having sex with young black boys. Don’t you ever learn from the past.

By YKW

January 1, 2009 12:23 AM | Link to this

Just a note to say it’s not unexpected that it’s a white man that helps save the black kids because the black leaders certainly aren’t doing it. Having said that Ron is racist against his own race and so is Okra.

Until black mothers (70% of all kids born to black woman are to single women) stop havin dem babies and stop teaching their kids that rap and thuggish behavour and dress is “cool” then nothing will change. Close your legs. Having “a baby for him” isn’t giving him anything it’s just giving you kids that steal and cheat and then when they go to jail you say “society is racist against the black man”.

Get a grip blacks get ALL the breaks and excuses in our society. Not doing well in school? Well it’s the poor black kid. Getting in trouble with the law “it’s the family life of the poor black kid”. If a black kid happens to do semi well he can get in any college over a white student that worked his buns off and tests higher. Why can he get in? Because the COLOR of his skin. Martin would be so proud.

Get a grip, keep your LEGS closed don’t have babies without daddies. It’s not cool, it’s ignorant and trashy.

Oh and I love the statement “there are more white women on welfare than black”. Yeah but there are three times the amt of white people in this country (changing every day) so again 70% of black folks are on some sort of assitance. What’s the difference? White folks, in the past weren’t raised looking for handout. No money? Get a job don’t go out and steal and “cap a cop” while your at it.

Again Ron is racist and Okra is DEFINITELY racist.

By jean paul sartre

January 1, 2009 1:25 AM | Link to this

YKW, you’re an idiot. But having said that, Ron Clark’s School and philosophy are great in the vacuum they operate in. But it has nothing to do with the problems that face regular public schools. Congrats to him and his students, but this is a private school that is selective in admissions. I would much rather see the Oprah’s of the world support those that are seeking to bring change to the public school system. If every public school could choose its students, charge $15,000 a year in tuition, and recieved millions in private funding they would be more successful as well. They too could offer international field trips and the expensive curriculum of his school. Also, having been an educator, I too was nominated for many teaching awards including the Disney honor. But I had no interest, nor the time, in applying and auditioning for an award. Most teaching awards are a croc. Partly because the evaluation of teaching is so subjective, it is really the teachers that are motivated enough to apply for these resume padders. But I say let’s help those making a difference with the students they are given and with the little resources they have, not some self-absorbed, propped up poster child for education reform!

By CITY TOO BUSY TO HATE..

January 1, 2009 2:54 AM | Link to this

Only here could a beautiful story get brought down to trash by a couple of idiots.

By Charles

January 1, 2009 6:33 AM | Link to this

Tom Joyner Foundation offered to buy Morris Brown. He was turned down.

By Charles

January 1, 2009 6:34 AM | Link to this

Tom Joyner Foundation offered to buy Morris Brown. He was turned down.

By Paddy

January 1, 2009 7:42 AM | Link to this

Well spent by OW. Glad it did not go to Morris Brown College. They have not paid their water bill in 8 years. Now what kind of lesson is that to teach our youth?

By Kevin

January 1, 2009 8:19 AM | Link to this

Where are the white kids, Latino kids, Asian kids in this school? Why hasn’t the ACLU investigated? I smell a double standard.

By Ron

January 1, 2009 9:25 AM | Link to this

Kevin,

Chances are they are not living in Southwest Atlanta, maybe not aware of the school, OR parents don’t want them to “mix” with outstanding kids in the underpriviledged area.

By jwatl

January 1, 2009 9:27 AM | Link to this

Mr. Clark demonstrates what can be done when the leader is motivated. Georgia’s CRTC results demonstrates what can happen when the reverse is the case!! Congratulations to Mr. Clark and his students!

By jas

January 1, 2009 9:52 AM | Link to this

I just recently viewed the movie, “The Ron Clark Story” and was very moved by what this man did for “his” students! Put aside your racism, homophobia, and whatever other narrow-minded thoughts you have and be grateful that a HUMAN BEING cares enough about CHILDREN (regardless of their race, circumstances, etc.) to make a difference. If each of us had 1/10 the vision, the motivation, the heart of Ron Clark, what an impact we could make! If you haven’t seen the movie, try to find a copy. It’s one you can watch WITH your children and will certainly leave you inspired!

By Juli

January 1, 2009 10:09 AM | Link to this

I went to get gas last night and I was the only one there next to one other car.. I found out that is was oprah. She said happy new year to me. I then raced home to google if she was in the Atlanta area-cause I cant be for sure it was her-I met her once at het show years ago being I am from Chicago. I googled and saw this —and loved this story.. I wished I worked for Ron —Maybe it was not Oprah-maybe it was God wanting me to read this artical :-)

By Juli

January 1, 2009 10:10 AM | Link to this

I went to get gas last night and I was the only one there next to one other car.. I found out that is was oprah. She said happy new year to me. I then raced home to google if she was in the Atlanta area-cause I cant be for sure it was her-I met her once at het show years ago being I am from Chicago. I googled and saw this —and loved this story.. I wished I worked for Ron —Maybe it was not Oprah-maybe it was God wanting me to read this article :-)

By How Education should work

January 1, 2009 10:16 AM | Link to this

Congrats to the Academy! This is just a wonderful gift from Oprah. This school must be the future for all of our students. They are absolutely talented and awesome. For the one that wrote something pertaining to Morris Brown College, spare me. I am an alum of that wonderful institution, but Oprah shouldn’t give her money to those who offer no transparency and accountability for that money. Kudos again to both. Ron Clark you are an angel thus the Angel Network!

By Mwilk

January 1, 2009 12:45 PM | Link to this

I too have visited the Ron Clark Academy. As a business strategy consultant who has worked with major corporations, government agencies, and education institutions, I was highly impressed with three specific aspects of RCA. First, the execution of the dual mission is impressive: not only has RCA created a model of what excellence in education can look like, they are equally dedicated to communicating the message through their outreach programs to teachers and system leaders across the nation. Second, the highly engaging classroom experience would be irrelevant to most if it weren’t for the impact on test scores and other traditional measures of success. RCA is demonstrating unheard of increases after just one year in the academy. Finally, talking with the young people about their experiences and hearing their excitement about education and listening to the quality of their thinking processes was indeed impressive. The experience was so compelling, I wrote a check on the spot to support the school! I would encourage others to take a good look. As a highly popular celebrity, Oprah has done more than most to point millions to books and programs she believes are worthwhile. I want to add my humble endorsement as well.

By shyril

January 1, 2009 12:46 PM | Link to this

How did an article on Oprah’s giving to Ron Clark get to Morris Brown College. Unfortunately $365,000.00 wont do for MBC. Yep it will pay the water bill but its in $34 million dollars worth of debt to get back to zero.

It’s her money she may give it to whom she chooses. Ron Clark Academy is a wonderful choice!

By Melissa

January 1, 2009 1:03 PM | Link to this

The school has 78 students and has an operating budget of 2.4 million per year? That seems extremely high for such a small school.

By Justin

January 1, 2009 1:25 PM | Link to this

Great Job Oprah!

That is such a beautiful Gift. Your truly have a loving heart!!!

Melissa, actually 2.4 million is not a lot for an academy of 78 students. Tuitions are out of this world these days and operation costs have increased.

By Perplexed

January 1, 2009 3:15 PM | Link to this

I’ll never understand why people keep throwing money to rich people. The Ron Clark Academy is an elite private school and it is well funded. Why can’t Oprah send a big check to a public school in an inner city that needs the money more than Clark does?

By darb

January 1, 2009 3:30 PM | Link to this

Earlier I made a mistake and said Okra should give more of her megabucks to Morehouse. My bad, I meant to say Morris Brown. It also just dawned on me that the kuds this fellow teaches are the ones doing that funny, monkey dance on the tube. Better they do their dance than go out and bum off the world, and end up shooting their brothers and sisters.

By Terrance

January 1, 2009 3:53 PM | Link to this

I second that…..OPRAH PLEASE HELP MORRIS BROWN COLLEGE!!!! GOD BLESS THE RON CLARK ACADEMY

By eagle

January 1, 2009 5:56 PM | Link to this

After watching the TNT movie The Ron Clark Story and finding out he was opening a school in the ATL area … I have followed his career.

What a wonderful educator, leader and roll model for our young students!

I’m sure Oprah and others with the ability to give to these kinds of educational successes, will continue to monitor and give in the future.

Great story and congratulations to Ron Clark - well deserved!

By Ro

January 1, 2009 6:05 PM | Link to this

YKW you are just stupid. Your comments are absurd and you should be ashamed! Darius Pratt you are just ignorant, and should be ashamed as well! Melissa what difference does it make if the number seems high…whatever they are doing, it is working and he and the sutdents are worthy.

All of you are HATERS!

By jb

January 2, 2009 11:19 AM | Link to this

I have had the honor and privilege to volunteer at the school. Having followed Mr. Clark since his first visit to Oprah, I can only say the school and the students took my breath away. My hope is that the legacy he has started will continue and grow. Oprah’s gift is well-deserved. Congratulations RCA!

By dg

March 25, 2009 10:46 PM | Link to this

he’s an opportunist. the superficial media takes a hold of this and goes with it, further exploiting the black students. when similar school are created by blacks (there are many) they’re not given this kind of attention….but the great white hope…rescues the poor black children…all the times…the same story..over and over again. indirectly subconsciously reminding the populace that (especially blacks) that you’ll always need the white man to bail you out. look they had to come rescue your children from your poor neighborhood. backward parents who don’t do their jobs, relying on the white man to teach their child how to sing and dance, like a puppet show, grinning for the cameras. the statistics will show, that public schools, percentage wise, graduates more academically smarter students, than these so called private schools. Think you can sing and dance everything you need to know in middleschool. He couldn’t bring that nonsence to Alpharetta, or buckhead, or any other white neighborhood school….they would tell him to get the hell outa here with that nonsense. Now it’s not poor black students on the acceptance list, but academically gifted. It’s not for poor students anymore, he has to show results, excluding the lower performing students. ron clark academy will have students sign releases for the videos and music they will record in their studios and “limp wrested, black dialect speaking” ron clark…will be laughing all the way to the bank. if the morris brown students could only sing and dance…hmmm…