Fayette School Counselors Association Names Counselors of the Year, Installs Officers

School Superintendent Dr. John DeCotis (center) along with this year’s counselor and advocate of the year winners: (L-R) Dionne Maddox, Linda G. Williams, Sonya Tucker and Diann Ferrante.

Fayette County's school counselors celebrated their craft and honored their colleagues during the ninth annual Fayette School Counselors Association (FSCA) Installation of Officers and Awards Ceremony.

Each year the association seeks nominations from members, teachers and administrators for those who are always going above and beyond the call of duty to help students excel at each academic level. One counselor of the year is selected from the elementary, middle and high school level. The 2009 counselors of the year are (elementary) Linda G. Williams, Brooks; (middle) Dionne Maddox, Flat Rock and (high) Sonya Tucker, McIntosh.

In addition to naming counselors of the year, the organization recognizes a non-counselor who has worked hard during the year to advance counseling programs and services at an individual school or system wide. This year’s advocate of the year award was presented to Diann Ferrante, secretary for CARE (Children at Risk in Education).

During the ceremony, the association also installed its 2009-2010 officers: Kaye Eubanks (Open Campus) president elect; Linda G. Williams (Brooks Elementary) president; Brenda Cannington (Bennett’s Mill Middle) past president; Kelly Hubbard (Robert J. Burch Elementary) secretary; Tama Matthews (Flat Rock Middle) treasurer; Stacey Patterson (Crabapple Lane Elementary) elementary school vice president; Dionne Maddox (Flat Rock Middle) middle school vice president and Hope Huey (McIntosh High) high school vice president.

Fayette has three counselors who have made the decision to retire this year. Each has dedicated at least 30 years of service to the field of education and has impacted countless students, parents and coworkers. The following retirees were honored by the association: Susanne Pinkley, Oak Grove Elementary; Fanita Duvall, Fayette County Alternative School; and Winkie Greenhaw, Sandy Creek High.

School counselors at all levels provide valuable services to students and their families as well as faculty and staff. On a daily basis they are involved in character education, violence prevention, career planning and much more.

Counselors are professional educators who understand and respond to the challenges presented by today’s diverse population. They don’t work in isolation; rather they are integral to the total educational program. They provide proactive leadership that engages all stakeholders in the delivery of programs and services to help students achieve school success.

Professional school counselors align with the school’s mission to support the academic achievement of all students as they prepare for the ever-changing world of the 21st century. This mission is accomplished through the design, development, implementation and evaluation of a comprehensive, developmental and systematic school counseling program.

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Fayette County Education Foundation Celebrates Another Successful Year

Fayette County Education Foundation members visited Rising Starr Middle to view the green house and garden maintained by students in Holly Monahan’s class. Monahan is the receipt of this year’s large grant award.

Even with donations being down this year, the Fayette County Education Foundation gave over $18,000 to teachers throughout the county’s public school system to help bring innovative teaching materials and programs to students.

A total of 34 projects received funding this year through the foundation’s mini-grant program. Mini-grant awards range from $200-$750 per person. Additionally, one large grant valued over $1,700 was awarded to Rising Starr Middle to purchase equipment for a green house used by special needs children to study plant life. This marks the second year the foundation has awarded a grant valued greater than $1,000.

The grants give educators the monetary assistance they need to bring innovative and creative programs into their schools and classrooms to help enhance the curriculum that is already in place. These programs are in addition to what is funded by the school system. Without assistance from the Fayette County Education Foundation, funding for many of these programs would not be possible.

Counting this year’s grants, the Fayette County Education Foundation has given over $174,000 to more than 420 recipients since it awarded its first grants in 2002. Funding for the grants would not be possible without the generous support of the business community, Fayette County School System employees and local individuals who have a vested interest in enhancing educational opportunities for Fayette’s students. Donations to the foundation are tax deductible.

In addition to grants, the foundation also gives scholarships to paraprofessionals in the Fayette County School System who are currently enrolled in an accredited teaching program and plan to teach in Fayette after earning their certification. This year’s winners are Patricia Sanders, Oak Grove Elementary, and Tara Fathy-Amin, Robert J. Burch Elementary.

The foundation is a cooperative effort between the Fayette County Chamber of Commerce and the Fayette County Public School System. Anyone interested in becoming a supporter of the Fayette County Education Foundation can contact Melinda Berry-Dreisbach at the Fayette County Board of Education, 770-460-3535.

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Bennett’s Mill Wins Regional Academic Competition

Fayette County's middle school students recently showed off their knowledge of various academic and performing art subjects at the PAGE (Professional Association of Georgia Educators) Region 6 Academic Bowl for Middle Grades.

Only two school teams from 12 regions throughout Georgia are selected as regional winners. The Bennett’s Mill Middle team won one of the two slots for Region 6. Winning teams go on to compete at the state finals.

The PAGE Academic Bowl features teams of middle school students answering questions on subjects ranging from Georgia history to mathematics, science, literature and the performing arts. Opposing teams compete against the clock to answer toss-up and bonus questions in order to score points.

The goal of the program is to inspire students to excel academically, to enhance student self-confidence and self-esteem through high achievement, and to encourage both a team and competitive spirit.

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Fayette County Students Receive $2,500 Merit Scholarships

Graduating seniors at Fayette County High and McIntosh High are among the 2,500 students nationwide receiving National Merit Scholarships.

Jennie K. Lee (Fayette) and William S. Kearney (McIntosh) will both receive a $2,500 Merit Scholarship to help offset college expenses. Jennie plans to major in medicine/public health; William is planning a career in academic anthropology. Both Jennie and William are valedictorians at their respective schools.

National Merit Scholarship winners in each state are judged to have the strongest combination of accomplishments, skills and potential for success in rigorous college studies. A committee of college admissions officers and high school counselors selected the winners.

Applicants were evaluated on their academic record, including difficulty of subjects studied and grades earned; scores from two standardized tests; contributions and leadership in school and community activities; an essay describing interests and goals and the recommendation written by a high school official.

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Speech-Language Pathologists Celebrate National Hearing and Speech Month

Fayette County's 34 speech-language pathologists gather for a rare photo opportunity to show their support of National Hearing and Speech Month.

May is Better Hearing and Speech Month and the Fayette County School System’s speech-language pathologists (SLP) are taking advantage of the 75-year old celebration to raise community awareness, knowledge and understanding of various forms of communication impairments and the work they do to help the county’s students overcome and/or cope with their disabilities.

The school system’s 34 SLPs serve over 1,215 speech-impaired students daily. They work with students in all grade levels, helping them gain communication skills so that they can be successful both academically and socially.

SLPs serve students who have difficulties in articulation/phonology, receptive/expressive language, pragmatic communication skills, voice and fluency. They also teach students who cannot speak verbally, or are hard to understand, how to use communication devices. Services are provided in a number of ways including one-on-one, resource settings, collaborative/classroom environments as well as in the community.

The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders reports that approximately 10 percent of children have moderate to severe communication impairments, including speech production/articulation, stuttering and language-learning difficulties. Children with speech and language impairments are 4 to 5 times more likely than their peers to experience other language-learning disabilities including significant reading problems.

Speech impaired students are making big strides everyday in Fayette’s classrooms, improving their academic achievement, social quality of life, and ultimately career advancement potential. SLP Missy Vermeyen explains how she helped a nonverbal high school student progress from acting out in class and not participating in activities to becoming a leader who takes an active role in the classroom and is now speaking words and phrases.

“We gave her a simple communication device and she began using it immediately. She takes great pride in being able to participate in class and her speech intelligibility has improved dramatically. She now greets verbally with ‘hi’ and her name. This is only the beginning for her,” says Vermeyen.

Speech-language pathologists hold at least a master’s degree and are certified by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.

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ROTC Cadet Donates Prize to WW II Veterans

A cadet in the Air Force Junior ROTC program at Sandy Creek High made a special donation to the county’s World War II veterans and got a special honor of his own.

Thomas Treat, a junior and third-year AFJROTC cadet, was recently named Georgia’s Outstanding Junior ROTC Cadet for 2008-09 by the Sons of the American Revolution and received a $500 cash prize. Treat decided to take half of the award and donate it to Fayette’s Honor Flight program that flies WW II veterans to Washington, D.C. to visit their memorial.

Treat made a presentation of the donation on May 4 shortly before another group of veterans left for their trip to Washington. He says the donation is his way of honoring the men and women of WW II for their sacrifices.

“I want to recognize their service to our country and assist in sending them to see their WW II memorial,” Treat explains.

Honor Flight relies on community donations to fund the flights and other trip expenses such as food and ground transportation. The trip is free for the veterans.

Shortly after announcing his intent to make the donation, Treat was informed that a seat had become available on the May 4 flight and was invited to accompany the veterans on the one-day trip to the memorial.

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FC Parks & Rec Summer Program Registration May 4th

The Fayette County Parks and Recreation Department will begin registration for the Summer 2009 brochure on Monday, May 4, 2009. Registration will be taken at the Activities House, 980 Redwine Road, Monday – Friday from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. The brochure can be obtained at the offices of the Fayette County Parks and Recreation Department, Administration Complex, Library, and school offices. To download brochures from the web site go to http://www.fayettecountyga.gov/parks_rec/brochure_parks.asp. Early registration is encouraged as these programs fill up fast and transportation is limited on the adult trips.

Grass Volleyball Tournament

Grab a few friends and compete for bragging rights at the annual grass volleyball tournament. Format will be 4x4 regular coed teams. All teams must pre-register and must provide one player from their team to officiate other games as needed.
Day: Saturday
Date: May 2
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Fee: $12 per team
Age: 16 & older
Location: McCurry Park
*Early registration is encouraged as space will be limited!

DRIVER SAFETY PROGRAM

Originally geared for ages 55 & older this class is now open to licensed drivers of all ages. Class size is limited, so early registration is encouraged!
Day: Monday & Tuesday
Date: Session I: May 4 & 5
Time: 9:00 a.m.— 1:00 p.m.
Fee: $12 per person AARP members
$14 per person Non—AARP members
Age: 18 & older
Location: Activities House

Country Western Line Dance

Dancing builds and promotes cardiovascular health through physical workouts of varying intensity. Line dancing provides a foundation for dance experience that will enable you to have balance, rhythm, timing, and better posture. Only dance participants allowed in class. No class May 25 & July 6!
Day: Mondays
Date: Session I: May 4, 11, 18, June 1
Time: 6:30 p.m.- 7:30 p.m. Beginner
7:45 p.m. - 8:45 p.m. Intermediate
Fee: $25 per person
Age: 15 & older
Location: Kiwanis Center

Lunchtime Beginning Line Dance

Join us each week for a fun and energetic way to get a little exercise and learn how to line dance. You will learn the basic steps that can be incorporated into the songs of yesteryear and the latest hits of today. NO PARTNER NEEDED!
Day: Thursday
Date: Session I: May 7, 14, 21, & 28
Time: 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Fee: $25 per person
Age: 15 & older
Location: Activities House

Chick-fil-A Headquarters/Green Manor

Let’s tour the Chick-fil-A Corporate Headquarters that includes a film, museum, and Truett Cathy’s Antique Car Collection. Then off to the Green Manor for lunch and some history about this old home.
Day: Friday
Date: May 8
Time: 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Fee: $15 per person
Age: Adult
Location: Union City

Atlanta Church Tours

Join Join us on this church tour as we view one of the largest collections of British stained glass outside of the British Empire. Our next tour will take us to a church built in the neo-Renaissance design with “theatre-style” seating and Old Testament sculptures. Lunch is at Son’s Place Restaurant.
Day: Tuesday
Date: May 12
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Fee: $20 per person
Age: Adult
Location: Atlanta

The Story of CDC

Traces the origins and early history of CDC through its expansion into an agency of public health programs emphasizing prevention. The story is told through documents, photographs, and objects from the CDC Collection.
Day: Wednesday
Date: May 27
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Fee: $10 per person
Age: Adult
Location: Atlanta

Rock ‘n’ Roll Line Dance for Children

No matter what your musical preference, who hasn't had a song on their top ten play list they would love to line dance to! Come learn to incorporate line dance steps to your music.
Day: Saturdays
Date: Session I: June 6, 13, 20, 27
Time: 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Fee: $25 per person
Age: 8 - 11 years old
Location: Kiwanis Center

Pam Green's Youth Canvas Painting

Join us for a week of painting -- no experience required! You'll experiment with both watercolors and acrylics and at the end of the class; you'll leave with a finished canvas that you can show off to all your friends and family.
Day: Monday - Friday
Date: June 22 - 26
Time: Session I: 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Session II: 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Fee: $100 per person
Age: 8 & older
Location: Activities House
All supplies are included!

Whose WIVES ARE THEY ANYWAY?

After sending their wives shopping in New York, two well-meaning golfers anticipate a fulfilling golfing excursion on their own until the new CEO arrives unexpectedly and wants to meet their wives.
Day: Friday
Date: May 15
Time: 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Fee: $18.00 per person
Age: Adults
Location: Fairburn

Volleyball Officials’ Camp

This camp will provide an excellent opportunity for anyone interested in becoming a volleyball official; and for returning officials to hear new ideas and learn some new techniques from the GHSA Volleyball Officials’ Coordinator.
Day: Monday - Thursday
Date: May 18 - 21
Time: 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Fee: $30 per person
Age: 18 & older
Location: LaFayette Educational Center Gym

Steel Magnolias

A comedy /drama about the friendship among a group of captivating Southern Women
Day: Wednesday
Date: May 20
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Fee: TBA
Age: Adult
Location: Griffin Main Street Playhouse

Wii-tired BOWLING FUN

Be a part of the NEW craze with this monthly Wii Bowling Tournament held at the Activities House. Bring a dish to share and vie for the bragging rights. Great exercise and lots of fun!
Day: Wednesdays
Date: May 27, June 24, July 22, August 26
Time: 10:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Fee: No charge
Age: Adults
Location: Activities House

Murder @ Happydale High the Musical

Join us for a spoof of High School Musical as the Dean of Students, Danny Puko still relives his glory days when he was the top dog at Happydale High. Four hip replacements later, he has to turn over that title to his own hip swiveling son. Join us for a five-course meal complete with hor d’ oeuvres and drinks.
Day: Thursday
Date: June 18 Time: Depart 6:00 p.m.
Fee: $70 per person
Age: Adult
Location: Atlanta

TR Wii Fit Club

Wii has arrived! Come meet us for a Wii bit of fun while actually exercising! Wii will not tell you what sport Wii will be doing each day so always come dressed in loose fitting clothes and be ready for the action!
Day: Wednesdays
Date: May 27, July 22, August 26
Time: 12:15 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Age: 18 & older
Fee: $5 per person
Location: Activities House

Moments in Time

Family history is being lost and we have golden-agers in our community who have a lot to share. We are looking for those very special seniors who have lived in Fayette County for twenty five years or longer who would like to take a special journey with us to record their life and memories of Fayette County. Join us with a glance of the past as we share with the community and your families the progression of your life in the county. To take part in this program call 770.716.4320.

Potluck Adult “RAP” Session

Join our open discussions for an exchange of ideas, opinions, and suggestions for programs and trips. Each month we will explore a different topic that will assist us in planning programs for the fall. Bring a potluck dish to share!
May 20, June 17
11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Activities House

ST.AUGUSTINE’S NIGHTS OF LIGHTS

Millions of white lights create a magical holiday atmosphere in the Nation’s oldest city during the Annual Nights of Lights Celebration in St. Augustine, Florida. Tracing its origins to the Spanish tradition of displaying a lighted white candle during the Christmas holidays, the spectacular lighting reflects the city’s 443 - year history while creating a beautiful setting for special memories. December 1 - 5
$530 per person based on double occupancy
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Local Fayette County High Student Among Select Group Named Coca-Cola Scholar

A Fayette County High School student, class of 2009, is one of only 250 in the United States named a Coca-Cola Regional Scholar.

Cecelia Ogechi Oparah has been awarded a $10,000 four-year scholarship ($2,500 per year) to attend any accredited U.S. college or university. Coca-Cola awards 200 regional scholarships each year; Cecelia is one of only 12 graduating high school seniors from Georgia receiving the scholarship.

Regional winners from throughout the nation were recognized last month in Atlanta during Coca-Cola Scholars Weekend with a banquet held in their honor. Students also participated in seminars, a community service project and visited the Martin Luther King, Jr. Center and the World of Coca-Cola.

The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation is one of the most recognized and respected corporate-sponsored scholarships in the U.S. This marks the foundation’s 21st consecutive year of scholarship awards. Including the 2009 class, the foundation has provided 4,276 scholars with more than $38 million in scholarships.

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Fayette County Students Showcase Reading Skills at County Invitational

Fourth and fifth grade teams from all of Fayette County's elementary schools participated in the seventh annual Fayette County Reading Invitational, with each school walking away with awards in both grade levels.

The Reading Invitational is a voluntary event for avid readers in the fourth and fifth grades. Interested students read books from an approved list on their own time, independent from their classroom work. Schools conduct contests to select the students who will make up the teams to represent them at the county level. Awards are given at the gold, silver and bronze level.

Gold Level (4th Grade): Fayetteville Intermediate and Kedron Elementary. (5th Grade): Braelinn Elementary, Robert J. Burch Elementary, Peachtree City Elementary, Peeples Elementary and Spring Hill Elementary.

Silver Level (4th Grade): Braelinn Elementary, Brooks Elementary, Crabapple Lane Elementary, Huddleston Elementary, Inman Elementary, Sara Harp Minter Elementary, Oak Grove Elementary and Spring Hill Elementary. (5th Grade): Brooks Elementary, Crabapple Lane Elementary, Fayetteville Intermediate, Huddleston Elementary, Sara Harp Minter Elementary, Oak Grove Elementary and Tyrone Elementary.

Bronze Level (4th Grade): Robert J. Burch Elementary, Cleveland Elementary, North Fayette Elementary, Peachtree City Elementary, Peeples Elementary and Tyrone Elementary. (5th Grade): Cleveland Elementary, Inman Elementary, Kedron Elementary and North Fayette Elementary.

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Sandy Creek Students Earn Awards at State Leadership and Skills Conference

Six Sandy Creek High School seniors brought home medals from the 2009 SkillsUSA Georgia Leadership and Skills Conference, a showcase of career and technical education students.

Both MacKenzie Blanton and Kristen Stevens earned first place medals in Photography and Promotional Graphics Poster Design, respectively. First place winners are eligible to compete at the national conference. Blanton plans to be among the 5,000 state contest winners from across the country competing at the national level June 21-26 in Kansas City, Montana.

In addition to her first place win, Stevens also placed third, earning a bronze medal, in Advertising Design. She was the only student from Sandy Creek to win two awards at the competition.

Other state winners from Sandy Creek include Alex Brillant, bronze medal, Promotional Brochure Design; Paul Evans, bronze medal, Automotive Brakes; and Zach Bick and Dustin Hall, bronze medal, Website Design.

During the competitions, students work against the clock and each other, proving their expertise in various occupations. Contests are run with the help of industry, trade associations and labor organizations. Test competencies are set by the industry.

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Whitewater Student Named Gates Millennium Scholar

A 2009 Fayette County graduating high school senior is one out of 1,000 in the nation to receive a Gates Millennium Scholarship.

Jonaé Felton, Whitewater High, is among 64 high school seniors from Georgia and the only one from Fayette to be named to the 10th anniversary class of the nation’s largest and most successful minority scholarship program. The program is funded by a grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

As a Millennium Scholar, Jonaé will receive a full four-year scholarship to attend Tuskegee University. The total scholarship is worth approximately $200,000.

The application process for the scholarship is extremely involved, over 20 pages long, requiring students to write about their leadership experience, community contributions, personal characteristics, and long and short-term goals. Students must have a minimum 3.3 GPA and demonstrated leadership abilities through participation in community service, extracurricular or other activities to be eligible to apply. Independent readers evaluate nominees’ applications according to three primary criteria: academic achievement, community service and leadership potential.

In addition to being named a Millennium Scholar, Jonaé is also an honor graduate and will graduate in the top five percent of her class.

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An African Safari and More At Nature, Undisturbed Photo Show

Join nature lovers and photography enthusiasts this weekend at Nature, Undisturbed, Southern Conservation Trust’s Nature Photography Exhibition at the Dogwood Gallery in Tyrone. The show highlights the importance of protecting our region’s natural beauty.

Friday’s Wine & Cheese Reception will also feature pairings with Terrapin Craft Beers. Saturday’s Reception includes a presentation by Susan Todd-Raque a noted art consultant who will speak on collecting photography, and the presentation of the People’s Choice Award. Toms Evens will lead you on a photographic African Safari on Sunday May 3rd at 2pm.

Nature, Undisturbed will be a great opportunity to purchase affordable art for your home or business. All donations and a percentage of sales will benefit local land conservation and help maintain the public nature preserves managed by Southern Conservation Trust - Sams Lake Sanctuary south of Fayetteville, and Line Creek and Flat Creek Nature Areas in Peachtree City.

Abby Jordan, Trust Executive Director says “Local businesses have really stepped up to support Nature, Undisturbed, even in this tough economy. Special thanks go to Brent Scarbrough & Company, Integrated Science & Engineering, Bank of North Georgia, Synovus Securities and Brown Nelms & Company.”

The Wine and Cheese Reception on Friday May 1st begins at 6pm. The Dogwood Gallery is located at 1175 Senoia Rd N/Hwy 74 in Tyrone, behind the Legacy Theater.

For more information about Nature Undisturbed or the Trust, email info@sctlandtrust.org, call 770-486-7774, or visit the Trust’s website www.sctlandtrust.org.

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Volkswagen is Coming to Peachtree City Elementary School May 1

The annual Peachtree City Elementary Spring Fling is May 1 from 4:30-7:30 pm. Come on out for some fantastic family fun!

Heritage Volkswagen, Inc will have the new Routan minivan and other VW family vehicles available for parents to examine and drive. For every adult who drives a new VW and completes a short questionnaire, Volkswagen of America will donate $5 to Peachtree City Elementary School's PTO.

Armbands for rides and food tickets will be available for purchase at the event. Peachtree City Elementary School is Peachtree City's first elementary school and is located on Wisdom Rd.

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Home Takes First Place at 4-H Competition

Footprints Christian Academy in Peachtree City is pleased to announce that Aja Home, a fifth grade student, recently won first place in the 4-H competition held in Douglasville. Home's project in the Workforce Preparation Category focused on cooking techniques. Home is looking forward to pursuing her dream of becoming a chef one day.

4-H is just one of the clubs offered at Footprints Christian Academy, which incorporates various clubs and techniques designed to aid in the learning process for various learning styles.






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Whitewater High Top Student Carter Selected to Attend Medical Forum

A student’s dreams of becoming a doctor are getting closer to reality.

Volisa Carter, an 11th grader at Whitewater High, has her goals set on becoming a neonatal intensive care doctor. She was notified in March that she has been invited to attend a medical program that is only offered to the top one percent of high school students in the country.

The National Youth Leadership Forum on Medicine is a 10-day program that introduces students with an interest in medicine to all aspects of the medical field. Participants have the opportunity to interact with professionals from some of the nation’s top medical centers and faculty from renowned institutions of learning.

Students cannot apply to the program; instead they must be nominated by a teacher or through voluntary precollege surveys. The Forum on Medicine first became aware of Volisa through the Student Search Service of the College Board.

“She meets the high standards we set to qualify as a nominee. Fewer than one percent of all high-achieving high school students are presented with this opportunity,” says Dr. Shashin Doshi, senior councilor to the National Youth Leadership Form on Medicine.

When Volisa learned about the invitation, she says she had mixed emotions.

“I was excited and scared at the same time. Excited because I never know that I was intelligent enough to stay up there with the geniuses of our nation. Scared because it costs a lot of money, and money in my family is very tight,” she explains.

Volisa’s life has had its obstacles. Her father died when she was five and her aunt has been raising her ever since.

“She has sacrificed a lot to get me through school. I am so appreciative of everything she has done for me,” Volisa says.

Despite her hardships, Volisa has managed to persevere, excelling in school and as a community volunteer. When she is not studying, she volunteers her time through the Fayette Family YMCA Leaders Club, a nonprofit organization that gives back to the community by sending volunteers to assist with various events. She received the Kristin Turner Spirit of Volunteerism Award in 2008 for her work with the club.

Besides giving her insight into her chosen career field, Volisa is hoping that the Forum on Medicine will help her land some needed scholarships so that she can fulfill her dream. The only thing standing in her way is money.

Volisa organized several fundraisers that netted nearly $500, but fell far short of the $2,600 needed to attend the program.

“We didn’t have much of a result because money is tight for everyone right now. I still hope that somehow I will be able to raise the remaining funds so I can take advantage of this great opportunity,” she says.

The Forum on Medicine is being held at Emory University June 21-30. Anyone interested in making a donation to help Volisa pay tuition costs can do so through Whitewater High School by contacting Mary Giles, bookkeeper, 770-460-3935.

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New Life Ministries' Dedication Services Celebrate New Location

New Life Ministries in Fayetteville is moving to a new, larger location at 182 N. Glynn Street (behind Captain D’s). They are holding Dedication Services this week Tuesday through Thursday at 7:00 PM, nightly. The pastor is Pastor Glenn B. Allen, Sr.

TUESDAY: The guest preacher will be Dr. Jonathan Carter of Siloam Church International in College Park.

WEDNESDAY: The message will be brought by Reverend T. Gerry Anderson of New Macedonia Baptist Church in Riverdale.

THURSDAY: Dr. Howard Creecy, Jr. of The Olivet Church in Fayetteville will preach.

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Register Online for High School Graduation, Make Up Test and Remediation Classes

Fayette County students who failed the previous administration of the Georgia High School Graduation Test (GHSGT) will have an opportunity to retake the test this summer.

The test will be given July 13-16 at McIntosh High for students who took the previous administration while enrolled in the Fayette County School System. This is the only time the high school graduation make up test will be offered this summer. Exam dates for each subject are as follows: July 14, math; July 13, social studies; July 16, language arts; July 15, writing and July 15, science.

Students must register online at www.fcboe.org by June 30 in order to participate in testing. Late registrations will not be accepted. Students who do not register in advance cannot participate in the summer test administration.

Remediation classes are available at McIntosh High June 8-July 2, Monday-Thursday. The cost for materials is $15 per class; students cannot register for more than two classes. Register online at www.fcboe.org by May 15.

For questions or more information, contact Julie Turner (test information), 678-347-6307 or Sharon Boyer (remediation classes), 770-460-1309.

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Fayette County 5th Graders Make Gains on Writing Assessment

The Spring 2009 Georgia Fifth Grade Writing Assessment results for Fayette County show a decrease in students scoring in the “does not meet” category while students meeting standards rise.

Compared to last year’s results, four percent more students moved into the “meets standards” category with a two percent decrease in “does not meet standards.” According to the results, 73 percent of students are meeting standards, 15 percent are exceeding them (same as last year) and 13 percent are not meeting standards. A total of 1,613 students took the test.

Fayette County remains a leader in the state with 22 percent of Georgia’s students “not meeting standards,” 70 percent “meeting” and eight percent “exceeding.”

The largest gains on the test were among Fayette County's Hispanic students with more moving out of the “does not meet” category and into “meets.” The 2009 results show that out of the 100 students who took the test, 20 percent failed to meet standards (an eight percent drop from last year), 70 percent met the standards (an 11 percent increase from last year) and 10 percent exceeded the standards.

The Georgia Writing Assessment is administered to students in grades three, five, eight and 11. The assessments provide information to students about their writing performance and areas of strength and challenge.

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Whitewater High School and Allan Vigil Ford of Fayetteville Invite You to Drive One 4 Ur School

WHAT: Looking for a way to support your local school? Get behind the wheel of the all-new Flex, or the newest Focus, Edge or other Ford vehicle during Whitewater High School’s Drive One 4 UR School event. Allan Vigil Ford will donate $20 for every individual who participates in this test-drive event! Funds will be used to support the football program at Whitewater High School.

WHEN: Saturday, April 25, 200910:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Each test drive will last 7 – 10 minutes.

WHERE: Whitewater High School
100 Wildcat Way Fayetteville, GA 30215
770-460-3935

DETAILS: Currently, hundreds of Ford dealers nationwide are partnering with their local high school to organize a Ford Cruise 4 UR School event. Ford will donate $20 for every test drive completed (up to $6,000, the equivalent of 300 test drives). Participating schools can use these funds at their discretion to support a wide range of activities, programs and events. Come out and support your local school!

NOTE: Participants must be 18 or older and have a valid driver’s license.
Limit one test drive per household.

Peachtree City Celebrates Arbor Day

Friday, April 24, was National Arbor Day, and Peachtree City celebrated by planting a Willow Oak near the Peachtree City Library.

Community Forester Beryl Budd was on hand to assist in planting the tree donated by City staff, which replaced an large old oak that had to be removed when it threatened the parking area at the Library.

Young residents John David Anderson and Spencer Green, who stopped by to observe the ceremony with their moms, helped plant the tree at the 10:30 a.m. ceremony

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