DIS student earns Turnaround Achievement Award

When you first meet Daniel Island School 6th grader Davonti Moody, there are a few things you notice. He has a warm, inviting presence that immediately sets you at ease. He is articulate, respectful of his teachers, and focused on his goals. And he has a smile that lights up the room.

They are attributes not lost on Anastasia Carroll, one of his teachers at DIS. But perhaps what strikes her the most about this special student is the fact that Davonti didn’t always display the traits that now set him apart. In fact, his transformation has been so remarkable that Carroll nominated Davonti for a Berkeley County School District “Turnaround Achievement Award.” For Carroll, now in her fourth year of teaching at DIS, it was the first time she nominated a student for the honor.

“That’s saying a lot from me, that I noticed a difference in this particular student and said ‘You know what, I’m going to do this.’ Because this student deserves it…That speaks volumes for Davonti.”

When Davonti came to DIS last year from Morningside Middle School in Charleston County, he was socially distant, hesitant to plug in, and he struggled academically.

“I was just being a follower I guess,” said Davonti. “Trying to be cool…I was just doing a bunch of disrespect and misbehaving. Certain times I would be serious about my school work, like if I saw my grade in a class I would try, but then I would be like ‘nah.’”

But then something changed in Davonti. He decided it was time to take a new path.

“I was just thinking I was invincible,” he recalled. “I thought they’re not going to hold be back. Then I finally saw it. I used to make fun of people like this. But then I noticed it (in myself) and I didn’t like it. I said I am not going to repeat 6th grade again, or any more grades.”

“From that time frame last year to this year, I saw a massive improvement not only in academics but also in how he communicates with others, classmates and teachers,” added Carroll. “I think he’s matured a lot…He recognizes when something isn’t right and he is very quick to change that. Not many people his age have the ability to do that early on. So that was really awesome!”

Carroll went on to give an example of how Davonti handled a recent situation involving a teacher who fell from a chair. The old Davonti may have just laughed, inciting his classmates to do the same. But this time, after chuckling initially, he quickly apologized to the teacher and asked if he was OK.

“That’s amazing that he has been able to catch on to doing that,” added Carroll.

Once the class jokester, Davonti now knows when it’s time to turn off the humor.

“In the beginning, I didn’t talk to anybody,” he said, of his first weeks at DIS. “I didn’t start talking to people until the middle of the year…I’m not going to lie. In the beginning of the class, I do kind of joke and slack off. But when the teacher starts teaching I’m like ‘Be quiet! Don’t talk to me!’ I know when to joke and not to joke.”

And there are also other areas in which Davonti now excels.

“He’s very academically driven,” added Carroll. “Whenever he does assignments or any kind of studying, he takes the initiative to learn, to clear up any confusion he may have. He’ll ask more questions. He’s very inquisitive that way. He encourages others and asks people if they need help.”

On April 14, Davonti was one of 28 students across the district to receive a coveted Turnaround Achievement Award at a commemorative ceremony held at Westview Middle School. Each recipient was given a gift bag with prizes, a plaque and an invitation to take part in a field trip in May riding boats provided by Dragon Boat Charleston in Charleston Harbor. The event marked the district’s 18th year hosting the recognition program, which honors students who have experienced challenges, but who have made the conscious decision to adopt positive attitudes towards education and to pursue successful futures.

Getting attention for good behavior is a nice feeling, said Davonti, who credits his father, Henry Habersham, for being his biggest motivator. Davonti’s grandmother, Mary Jane Habersham, his step-sister, Jaimey Clark, and Henry, were all there to support him as he accepted his award.

“I’m very proud of him,” said Mary Jane. “Very proud!”

Now that Davonti has seen the fruits of good behavior, he has some advice for those who may find themselves in a slump right now at school.

“Just do the right thing, and don’t be a follower!”

As for his future plans, this re-energized and re-focused 6th grader is thinking about a potential career as a video game engineer. Wherever his dreams take him, Davonti is ready to put his best foot forward.

“Remember that today is a celebration of having the heart, mind, and spirit to achieve your dreams and create new possibilities,” noted Berkeley County Schools Deputy Superintendent Archie Franchini, while addressing the honorees at the recent Turnaround Achievement Awards program. “Whether you are moving to a new school or a new grade or being promoted to a different level. Your journey is about how you use your gifts to achieve your possibilities.”

Davonti’s experience has been encouraging, not only to his teachers but to his fellow students.

“I think you show people that you shouldn’t give up,” added Carroll, while talking with Davonti last week at school. “Sometimes, we don’t get it right the first time.”

But, as Davonti has discovered, it’s never too late to turn things around and chart a new course.