Statement by Bowling Brook Preparatory School Regarding the Medical Examiner's Findings in the Death of Isaiah Simmons
The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has completed its investigation into the cause of death in the incident on January 23, 2007, involving Isaiah Simmons. The staff at Bowling Brook wishes to again express our deepest sympathies to Isaiah's family. Our understanding is that the Medical Examiner's report indicates that Isaiah's death was ruled a homicide. Isaiah's death is a personal tragedy for both his family and for the students and staff of Bowling Brook. Bowling Brook has always placed the health and welfare of every student at the forefront of our mission to youth, and we continue to grieve the passing of this young man.
Keymar, MD (PRWEB) March 9, 2007
The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has completed its investigation into the cause of death in the incident on January 23, 2007, involving Isaiah Simmons. The staff at Bowling Brook wishes to again express our deepest sympathies to Isaiah's family. Our understanding is that the Medical Examiner's report indicates that Isaiah's death was ruled a homicide. Isaiah's death is a personal tragedy for both his family and for the students and staff of Bowling Brook. Bowling Brook has always placed the health and welfare of every student at the forefront of our mission to youth, and we continue to grieve the passing of this young man.
For the last 20 years of our 50 year history, Bowling Brook's academic model has served as a successful alternative to architecturally secure care for many hundreds of young men who have been committed to the juvenile justice system. Cited as a "Best Practices" institution in 2002, the Maryland legislature has recognized the value of Bowling Brook as a private nonprofit educational and residential environment for young men involved in the juvenile justice system.
Throughout the past 50 years, Bowling Brook has achieved an exemplary record of success while serving our young men. Specifically:
79% of students earn their high school diploma while attending Bowling Brook; From 2003 to 2006, Bowling Brook students attended a total of 340 college classes with a 98% pass rate; In 2006, 158 (89%) of Bowling Brook students successfully graduated from our program. Of these graduates, 49% were accepted to college or technical school, 35% were employed, and 16% transitioned to community-based educational and apprenticeship programs; In 2006, Bowling Brook students performed over 40,000 hours of community service across Maryland and 63 students earned Presidential Volunteer Gold Service Awards for completing over 250 hours of community service; For the past 17 years, Bowling Brook students have participated and succeeded in interscholastic football, basketball, wrestling, power-lifting, and track. Our students have been recognized statewide for outstanding sportsmanship, competitiveness, leadership and teamwork ethic. Our students' achievements are a direct result of the efforts of a staff team with the highest level of integrity and sincere concern for the welfare of the children under their care. The Bowling Brook staff team has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to creating and maintaining a safe and humane environment that is conducive to learning.
Bowling Brook Preparatory School announced last week that we intend to cease operations on March 9, 2007, while the investigation into Isaiah Simmons's tragic death continues. Bowling Brook is managing the safe transition of our students back to the custody of their placing jurisdictions. Since the death of Isaiah Simmons, Bowling Brook has cooperated fully with the Department of Juvenile Services and other investigators, and Bowling Brook will continue this cooperation. Bowling Brook remains committed to serving its mission of helping young men make positive changes in their lives and becoming productive citizens and Bowling Brook is proud of its fifty year history of fulfilling that mission.
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