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A major influencing factor in shaping who I am today was my parents decision to send me to parochial school, yet reside on the south side of Syracuse. The various success in my life I owe to my education, but the person that I am was undoubtedly shaped by where I grew up.

Recently, Gerald Grant a Syracuse University professor advocated for a county-wide educational system in Onondaga County. While I believe his idea has merit, I have to admit that I have not read his book "Hope and Dispair in the American City", nor did I catch the Post-Standard article which featured his idea. What I really wanted to highlight was the following Letter to the Editor received by the Post-Standard by 19 year old Joseph Stray.

To the Editor:

Professor Grant’s idea is ingenious. As a student attending Onondaga Community College and as a Golden Gloves boxer, I would do anything in my power to help make this happen. I train around kids from the city every day at Ray Rinaldi’s Golden Gloves gym on Geddes Street.
I’m also an amateur boxer who is 19 years old but has matured through both heartbreaking and joyful experiences.
The nicest and sometimes sweetest kids come into the gym from bad areas with potential that is smothered by Onondaga County. Fowler High School is right across the street, and I have established relationships and some friendships with many kids of different ethnicities. I’ve learned enough to realize Fowler does not offer the same opportunity as Westhill, where I was a graduate in 2008.
Some behaviors of city kids make it apparent that they have grown up in environments different from your average suburban home. The fear comes from the lack of knowledge that those kids with “saggy jeans” are normal young men with interests and motivation, too. This academy could be prosperous and give the city of Syracuse a new birth in education and city life.
The dreams of city kids could become real and life-changing with opportunity. This would have a positive effect in Syracuse and broaden possibilities for young men and women. I am in 100 percent agreement with Professor Grant, and I can say this with experience with city youth from all aspects.

— Joseph Stray, Syracuse