When J.T. Taylor first entered Sherri Pool’s fourth … Read More From: Bossier Press-Tribune
December 2011

When J.T. Taylor first entered Sherri Pool’s fourth grade classroom at Apollo Elementary in 1995, he was just nine-years-old and struggling to make sense of reading and writing.  J.T. had both dyslexia and dysgraphia, learning differences that, at the time, few educators knew much about. Yet Pool did not let that stop her from helping him, nurturing him, encouraging him — something that did not go unnoticed by his mother.

Like her son, Denise Bankston also formed a special bond with Pool, who taught and tutored J.T. for years.  Bankston vowed to one day re-pay Pool in some way. She’s doing that now.

Bankston formed the non-profit, “A Kids’ Choice Foundation,” and since July 2010 has given $67,000 to Curtis Elementary where Pool is now principal. She has also paid for eight Bossier Parish teachers to attend Landmark School outside of Boston, Massachusetts, for a week last summer. The world-renowned school specializes in teaching children with dyslexia and other learning differences and is where J.T. eventually attended and had his breakthrough. Still, Bankston is ever grateful to Pool.

“Dee Dee!” the students yelled as Bankston entered their classroom on the last day of school before the Christmas break. She was dressed in black but could easily be considered Santa Claus, for she came bearing gifts. Her son, J.T. and family were at her side. They passed out necklaces inscribed with the words “Wish. Believe. Dream. Receive.” All 450 students received one, as well as faculty and staff. But that’s not all, she told the kids. Bankston explained that each necklace is symbolic of 25 cups of food that a needy child elsewhere in the world will receive through the Greater Good Network.

Pool beamed as she watched her friend hug each child. The principal pointed out to the students working on laptops that Bankston was the woman responsible for buying them, as well as the Active Boards in their classrooms.

J.T. is pretty proud of his mom, too. “I love it. It’s a great honor that my mom is able to do these things for all these kids,” he said. He’s also pretty proud of his ‘second’ mom, Sherri Pool. “She’s been like a second mother. There’s a lot of love between me and her.” J.T. went on to say, “She’s been with me since fourth grade. She surprised me at my high school graduation and college graduation.”

There’s no question, friendship is a gift. And this one began when an educator saw the potential in a child and refused to give up on him when even he was ready to give up on himself.

Curtis students get Christmas present that donates … Read More From: Bossier Press-Tribune
December 21, 2011

Curtis students get Christmas present that donates food to national network

Local elementary students learned a valuable lesson just before school let out for Christmas break Tuesday – it is better to give than to receive.

The fourth and fifth grade students at Curtis Elementary School were surprised with a visit from their dear friend Denise Bankston, or Mrs. Deedee as the students know her, who brought them an early Christmas present.

Bankston, owner and President of DeeDee’s Oil Patch, LLC  in Shreveport, purchased each student, teacher and staff a silver necklace through the Greater Good Network.  The necklace features interlocking charms, each with a word engraved on it – Dream, Wish. Believe. Receive.

For each necklace purchased, 25 cups of food will be sent to people around the world to feed the hungry.  According to the Greater Good Network website, funds are divided between Mercy Corps Feeding America, and Millennium Promise.

While visiting each classroom, Curtis Elementary principal Sherri Pool introduced Bankston, her longtime friend, and gave a brief explanation of just how important she is to their school.

Their friendship began in 1996 when Bankston’s son, J.T. Taylor, walked Pool’s fourth grade class at Apollo Elementary.  J.T. had both dyslexia and dysgraphia when he entered Pool’s classroom.

She tutored him and nurtured J.T. through fourth and fifth grade, which did not go unnoticed by Bankston.  As a way to show her appreciation, Bankston has given more than $60,000 to Curtis Elementary for new technology, including interactive white boards and laptops.

She also paid for eight Bossier Parish educators to attend a week-long workshop at the world-renowned Landmark School for children with learning differences over the summer.  A-Kids-Choice Foundation, Bankston’s non-profit organization, sponsored the educators from Curtis, Legacy and Meadowview Elementary Schools to travel to the North Shore of Boston, Massachusetts and have since brought their knowledge back into their classrooms in Bossier Parish.

Pool said Bankston’s remarkable actions have truly made an impact on the students at Curtis Elementary.  For the fifth graders, there was incredible excitement as Bankston walked into their classroom.

Fifth grader Destiny Darby said Mrs. DeeDee holds a very special place in her heart.  “I won’t know what we would do without her, “ Darby said. “She’s like a mother to me.”

However, fourth graders met Bankston for the very first time Tuesday.  Although they were told stories about who she is, Madison Hurst said it was nice to actually meet her.  She’s a loving and caring person,” Hurst said when describing her first impression of Mrs. DeeDee,  “I can’t wait until she comes back to see us again.”

The students quickly opened their individually wrapped present and were eager to put it on.  The necklace also has a special meaning for J.T., now 25-years and a college graduate, as well.

He once dream of becoming a professional basketball player.  His wish is for each student to grasp what the necklace truly means and to continue to work hard in order to get the best education possible.

J.T. believes that A-Kids-Choice Foundation will bring help to the south and benefit the children who were just like him many years ago…a young boy who happened to walk into the right classroom at the right time.

Amanda Crane
arcane@bossierpress.com

Elementary school holds assembly to honor Bankston… Read More From: Bossier Press-Tribune
October 29, 2010

Elementary school holds assembly to honor Bankston

Principal Sherri Pool described Denise Bankston to the students of Curtis Elementary School as a true American hero.

“She is among the people who are dedicated to making a difference in their community; not just one student at a time, but 500 students at a time,”  Pool said.

Bankston, owner and President of DeeDee’s Oil Patch, LLC. In Shreveport, was honored during a surprise assembly Thursday afernoon by students, faculty ad staff that left her overwhelmed and speechless.

In July, Bankston made a $15,000 contribution to the school and gave another $15,000 two weeks ago, making a total $30,000 donation to Curtis Elementary School.

“Her donation has allowed us to install interactive boards in our classrooms and we are in the process of ordering a rolling laptop lab,” Pool said.  “We will now be able to provide better learning tools for our students so they can reach their full potential.”

Bankston said the joy of seeing the students Thursday morning was a bless in itself, but she said the assembly was one of the biggest surprises of her life to date.

“It was such a blessing for me to walk into the classrooms and see all of the love these students have and to also see the boards that I was able to provide for them.”  Bankston said her relationship with Pool goes all the way back to when her son was diagnosed with dyslexia in elementary school.  She added that her son has since graduated from college ad is currently working towards his mater’s degree and gives credit to Pool for her support through his yeas in school.

“There wasn’t a question about it in my heart that one-day I would be able to give back to Sherri Pool for what she was able to give to us, “Bankston said. “She gave my son the confidence hat he needed before learning differences were ever looked at.  Sherri was our life-saver when he was in the fourth and fifth grade.”

As Bankston entered the gymnasium with her daughter, Donielle Wynn, and grand-daughters Abbie and Emma Wynn, the students erupted with applause ad cheer.  The flags were presented by the boy and girl scouts and the Curtis Elementary cheerleaders performed a special cheer.  Fifth grader Sheldon Dudley son of Sylvester and Susan Dudley, performed the national anthem.

Pool told the students about her relationship with Bankston and how much they will gain from her contribution to the school.

“I can tell you today she is just like my family.  She is very, very special to me and she is very special to all of us because of what she has done.”

Pool said Bankston was overwhelmed as she walked through the halls and toured classrooms Thursday morning; giving her a first-hand look at how her generous donation has improved the educational opportunities for each student at Curtis Elementary.

As the assembly closed, a group of selected students filed in one by one to hand Bankston a red rose with a special thank you message attached.  Studets flocked to the center aisle of the gymnasium to hug her as she exited the gym.

Pool said the generous contribution from Bankston will not only help the current students at the school, but will continue to help the future students who walk through the doors.

“The money and the love she has outpoured to us will affect the thousands of students as they come through Curtis Elementary because she has allowed us to install tools for their education.”

Bossier Parish Superintendent D. C. Machen said Bankston has invested in the Bossier Parish School System for many years, as a parent and as a volunteer, and that her presence has left a legacy in the school system.

“Because of people like Mrs. Bankston, who is willing to give their money and their time and invest it into our schools, we can continue to provide our students with enhanced educational programs,” Machen said.  “Her legacy began when she invested time with her own children in our school system and will continue through this investment to provide more students with the opportunity at getting an enhanced education.”

Amanda Crane
arcane@bossierpress.com

Sherri Pool, Denise Bankston, and D.C. Machen

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