Giving them a lift so they don't drop out.(Capital Region)

Byline: DANIELLE T. FURFARO Staff Writer

EAST GREENBUSH - Mike Durso had always struggled with school. At 17, he'd only made it to the ninth grade at Columbia High School, and sometimes considered dropping out.

Life got easier, Durso said, when he got involved in September with a mentoring program offered by the high school. He was teamed up with physical education teacher Kevin Lehayne. The two meet at least once a week to discuss how Durso is doing in school and at home.

"I tell him what I did during the week, what I liked and what I didn't like," said Durso. "He gives me ambition. Because, in my past, I haven't done too well in school."

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