Published: April 08, 2009 02:37 pm      

Doggett seen as shining star

Over the years, many people have volunteered at West Orange-Stark High School, but school officials say Dennis Doggett, 73, of Orange, stands out as a true “shining star.”

During his tutoring of students, he helps them see the potential of doing a little shining themselves. When the retired engineer is not working part-time at Bell Engineering, he works with the students two times per week to prepare for the math portion of the TAKS test so they may graduate. In addition he also volunteers at the community after school study labs for students 1st through 12th grade in any subject they need assistance.

“Mr. Doggett’s warm personality and demeanor has made him a success and very popular with the students,” said Mike Mason, WO-S school principal.

Doggett says the key to passing the TAKS test for the students he tutors is coming to class. Sometimes when he hears of them passing the test or if he sees them and they thank him, he said it is an “unbelievable” feeling.

Doggett said he tells his students, “Some people say don’t sweat the small stuff, but my theory is take care of the small stuff and the big stuff will take care of itself.”

Doggett gives them the full gauntlet of math skills such as algebra, geometry and probabilities so they may receive their diploma. He uses an exit level handbook the school provides which includes example math problems.

“The TAKS students who have worked with Mr. Doggett prior to the test have had a 100 percent success rate on meeting the standards of TAKS in mathematics,” Mason said. “Many parents and students have requested the special tutoring from him. Several underclassmen have asked to be allowed to attend his tutoring sessions as well.”

Mason adds, if someone were on campus and saw Doggett there, they might think he was a regular teacher.

“His warm smile and personality makes him a hero in our eyes,” Mason said. “But more important is the level of respect and genuine care he demonstrates each time he is on this campus.”

Doggett knows the value of a good education. He is a 1954 graduate of Lutcher Stark High School and graduated from Lamar University in 1960 with a degree in civil engineering and a minor in mathematics. He started his successful career at American Bridge Division of U.S. Steel and retired from Bell Engineering Inc.