I am the parent of two sons who have successfully grown into self-reliant adults. Both my sons are examples of a successful public school system that works when both the parents and the student want an excellent education and are willing to work for it. Though one son did not graduate from traditional high school and left to get his GED, I credit Long Island City HS for giving him the skills and knowledge to continue on his path to becoming an adult and ensuring a flourishing future. On the books, it may look like a failure but I believe very strongly the opposite. My other son was a participant of a program for students with disabilities at LIC HS. Because of the amazing teachers and staff, that son was able to graduate and continue his education at St. Joseph College. He has since graduated college and is on his way to a successful future.

Both my children are the results of amazing public schools from elementary to high school. They took different paths, but were lucky enough to have been students at Long Island City HS. This is why I continue to be a staunch supporter of the New York City public school system.

Mary McGuckin, Queens