Early 2025, remarkable news hit the Arrow Center for Education located in Hunt Valley, as graduating senior Jarome Liason, was accepted into Towson University.
His acceptance marks not only a personal achievement, but one of legacy for Arrow, as Liason is the first Arrow student to be admitted into the university. His journey from uncertainty to higher education shines a light on the power of personalized education.
Before coming to Arrow, Liason struggled in traditional school settings where his behavioral, social and emotional needs were not fully addressed. As a result, his educational environment became unsafe and unproductive.
According to his mother, that changed when he enrolled at The Arrow Center for Education.
“Arrow did a magnificent job with him because they addressed those social and emotional behaviors and with counseling at Hunt Valley, he progressed each year.,” Liason’s Mother Gloria Merritt said.
This outcome is not only a goal, but a dream, that Merritt didn’t see a clear path to before his time with Arrow.
“It’s the best accomplishment you can get in this world,” Merrit said. “Jarome is going to college, which before was just a dream of ours, Hunt Valley and Arrow made it a reality, they made a dream come true.”
At The Arrow Center for Education, it’s imperative that regardless of an individual student’s challenges, each student is treated as a unique, individual learner to ensure they have the greatest opportunity to achieve their educational goals.
Arrow provides specialized educational services for students with learning challenges, behavioral health needs and past trauma. Staff meet each student where they are tailoring support that empowers them to succeed both academically and personally.
“They’re the best support anyone can get, I never received this kind of support from any other school Jarome ever went to,” Merritt said. “They show so much respect and concern for Jarome and they are invested in his future.”
The entire community at Arrow Child and Family Ministries is rooting for The Arrow Center for Education senior, positive that Liason will break barriers and build a new future, continuing the momentum he’s built at Arrow.