From Alternative To Mainstream Project Cda Gave Students A Chance; Now They Want To Return To Celebrate

Melanie Garren remembers her high school classmates as family.

They went through morning sickness together and supported each other through court appearances. They were united in their hate for designer labels and shallow judgments. Together, they beat the odds and graduated.

“I believe anyone who ever went to Project CDA liked it there,” she says.

Enough to reunite? Melanie hopes so.

Melanie, Lisa Gessner and Deke Mueller are planning the 20-year-old alternative high school’s first reunion for next summer.

Project CDA (Creating Dropout Alternatives) began as a Coeur d’Alene School District experiment to motivate likely dropouts to finish high school.

Classes were smaller and subjects were applied. Authority was downplayed, but expectations were high. Individual attention was plentiful. Respect was mutually expected.

Kids who had floated in a fog in traditional high school flourished at the Project. It wasn’t long before a waiting list for enrollment was standard.

Seven years ago, the Project expanded to include middle school students.

“I wouldn’t have made it through high school,” says Deke, who graduated from the Project in 1992. He assembles electronic parts now for Zero Defects. “It was fun to be at the Project. It wasn’t at high school.”

Lisa foundered at Coeur d’Alene High for two years before switching to the Project in 1988.

“I went because it was more about learning than fashion shows and who could drink the most,” she says. “You were somebody there. I actually did my homework and went to class every day.”

Melanie and Lisa graduated in 1990 and decided this year that a 10-year reunion is in order. The work involved in tracking down 20 years of students intimidated them, so they’re searching for one class - 1990’s 50 graduates.

Tentative plans include a dinner at Cavanaughs Templin’s Resort in Post Falls and a picnic next August.

“We’ll just hunt down our class, but we don’t care who else shows up,” Lisa says. “The more, the merrier.”

If you’re a 1990 graduate of Project CDA, have information on one or want to help with reunion plans, call Melanie at 765-6195 or Deke at 665-1391.

Old is in

Take note of the people or organizations that preserve Idaho’s history in any way, shape or form. The state historical society wants to sing their praises.

The new “Esto Perpetua” award, which might sound familiar from the state motto, will honor historical preservation through professional accomplishment, public service, volunteerism and philanthropy.

Know anyone who qualifies? Send a letter with the person’s name, address and phone number and a description of his or her accomplishment to the Idaho State Historical Society, Esto Perpetua Award, 1109 Main St., Suite 250, Boise, ID 83702.

Or print out a nomination form from the Web site at www2.state.id.us/ishs/EstoPerpetua.html.

By the way, Esto perpetua means “may she endure forever.”

Stinging stories

A friend told this story the other day over dinner: A customer she helped at her Silver Lake Mall shop was bruised as if someone had beaten her with a baseball bat.

The woman said a yellow jacket had followed her into her car. She noticed it after she turned on the ignition, and jumped from the car in a panic, knocking the gear shift into reverse on her way.

The car hit her as it rolled out into the street carrying her two children. A man jumped in and stopped the car before it hit another one.

What’s your yellow jacket tale? Buzz it by Cynthia Taggart, “Close to Home,” 608 Northwest Blvd., Suite 200, Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814; fax to 765-7149; call 765-7128; or e-mail to cynthiat@spokesman.com.