Douglas
“Doug” Armstrong is a name that reverberates throughout the halls of Synergy.
Veteran staff members recount the impact he’s had on Synergy as a student,
alumnus, and continued advocate. Doug joined Team Synergy as a “last ditch”
effort after having dropped out of the comprehensive high school. Despite being
known as an intelligent student, Doug did not thrive at the larger setting.
He
eventually made the decision of attending Synergy where he quickly found at
that learning was not solely academic; life lessons were imparted upon students
by adults and authority figures who truly cared for students. Doug recounted
their care extending beyond the school building and the school day. Doug
credits the genuine teaching style of staff where they address students in a
familial sense showing care and compassion.
Throughout his time at Synergy, Doug gained a new perspective, not
solely based on his experience but of the staff and students around him. He
came to the realization that they were all there for a common goal and
therefore no longer had to judge “books by their covers”. He recounted a conversation he had with then
Principal, Dr. Betti Colli who posed the question “I know who they say you are,
but who do you say you are?” That question resonated as he was challenged to
take control of how persist, carving out his own identity.
After
graduating from Synergy in 1995, Doug enlisted in the Marine Corps where he
served as a Platoon Sergeant for six years eventually re-enlisting in the US
Army where he attended flight school and serving as a pilot and an instructor
for 16 years. Now, he works as an Airline Pilot for United Airlines. He has
returned to Synergy on several occasions, particularly when Synergy faced the
possibility of having to close its doors. Doug stood before the Town Council
and East Hartford community in support of the program.
Before
leaving us, Doug left us with the following quote, “Synergy is a life gold
mine. If you go into Synergy and take the things you are being taught from everyone
there make sure to inhale it, chew on it, and you’ll find success.”