Washoe Country School District
Change Font Size
Keith Cherti's Profile
Online Learning Helps Student Run Academic Race Unhindered
Student: Keith Cherti
School: WOLF Online Learning
Washoe Online Learning for the Future (WOLF) student Keith Cherti recognized halfway through his high school experience at Reed High School in Sparks that the temptation to socialize was taking away from his academics. So, he put aside time with his friends in the classroom in favor of an independent study environment at home in his own room. Since then, he’s found success and his academics have improved. He’s a fifth-year senior who will graduate in June.
“It took a year and a half to catch back up but it really worked out for the best,” said Keith, now 19. “I didn’t have all the distractions from my friends. Now, I really just get into my school work.”
WOLF provides an alternative learning environment for students like Keith who can work at their own pace from a home computer or elsewhere. Keith has put in about six hours a day and appreciates the option of pacing himself.
“You really do have to put a lot of effort and work into it,” he said.
Melonia Torres, a counselor for WOLF, said Keith didn’t earn any credits during his sophomore year and could have let that become a deterrent from graduating but chose to remain determined to finish.
”Keith just worked hard and consistently,” she said. “He was always pleasant with staff members and appreciated their help. It took him just a few months longer but he did it and didn’t give up.”
His favorite subject is biology, which has played a part in his current job. Keith has been working at Desert Hills Animal Hospital about 15 hours a week. He helps with kennel clean-up and spends time with the animals. He’s considering studying to become a veterinary technician at Truckee Meadows Community College.
Keith said the flexibility of WOLF has engaged him and helped him get back on track after his time at Reed.
“I really just wanted to do nothing but socialize with my friends and that really hurt my grades,” he said. “I would just say give WOLF a try. If you really want to continue your schooling and do the work, then it shouldn’t be any problem to get back on track.”
