Success Stories
WINGS gives kids the skills to succeed in school and beyond
The Origin of WINGS
CEO Ginny Deerin’s Quest
At 40, Ginny Deerin was recognized as a successful woman – lots of friends, a son at Harvard and a smart, beautiful baby girl, five brothers and sisters she adored. She’d risen to the top of her profession, but she lacked a set of skills that she wanted all kids to have… Click here to read the whole story.
A Trustworthy Sidekick
by Bridget Laird COO
Staying positive with an angry kid is tough. I learned this my first year... Click here to read the whole story.
The Story of Karl White
by Nicole Lovecchio, Program Director, WINGS at North Charleston Elementary
(Story written when Nicole was at Memminger Elementary School)
“Varnita to Nicole!” “Varnita to Nicole!” This was how every day at Wings started for me; a frantic call... Click here to read the whole story.
A Turn-Around Principal
by Ginny Deerin, CEO and Founder
Kids living in poverty get used to unmet expectations. They expect food and then go hungry. They expect a parent to care for them... Click here to read the whole story.
WINGS Kid Wins $10,000 on Jeopardy
WINGS kid Vera Swain used to imagine appearing on the Jeopardy TV quiz show, but years later, when she auditioned as a USC student, she failed to make the cut. Many would have given up at that point… Click here to read the whole story.
WINGS Alum Walks Back into Memminger as Principal
Once Anthony Dixon started working with kids in the WINGS program, he gave up law school plans and made education his calling. Now he’s back on his old stomping grounds… Click here to read the whole story.
Staying out of trouble after school: Richard White's story of success
Richard White is a diligent student and a hard worker. He’s determined to go to college and flips hamburgers after school to help pay the bills. But he says he could easily have gone down a very different road. He remembers clearly a turning point for him that came in sixth grade... Click here to read the whole story.
Football Standout Uriah Faces Up to Classroom Choices
Facing up to his choices in the classroom wasn’t easy, but Uriah Singleton shouldered his responsibility in school, and his triumphant football coach said that’s why the running back has been such a success on the field... Click here to read the whole story.
First in Family to Attend College Once was a Kid Headed for Trouble
Raheim Smith says he used to shoplift treats at the Piggly Wiggly and look for trouble. Now the first in his family to attend college, he credits WINGS with helping him find a path to success... Click here to read the whole story.
