Alternative High

Gr 9 Up—This film combines a dramatization of a true story about Troy Shawn Welcome, a troubled New York City teen, with documentary footage featuring the adult Troy who provides commentary. While this is a somewhat strange mixture of drama and talking-head documentary, it is effective in relating how Troy suceeded in life with the help of University Heights High School, a remarkable therapeutic facility. The fictional part of the story trails off when the young man flounders at the first college he attends and Troy jumps in to explain how he returned to his old high school for help and successfully transferred to another college. After graduation, he became a teacher, and later a high school principal. Troy says that he would be on the streets today without the help of his high school mentors. Viewers might wonder why the real-life Troy narrates this part of the film, when the dramatization had enough potential on its own. However, the film still gets its message across, and students in a similar situation may find inspiration here. If used in a guidance group, the film could launch important discussions about what young people need to succeed and how they can rely on teachers, guidance counselors—and themselves. The film's production quality is strong and the acting is believable. The only real flaw in the film is the abrupt transition between the fictionalized and real segments.—Jess deCourcy Hinds, Bard High School Early College Queens, Long Island City, NY