Wednesday, April 23, 2003
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Wednesday, April 23, 2003 |
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Breakfast honors 2002-2003 Partners in Education Corporate and Small Business Partner of the Year namedEveryday local businesses help Fayette's schools retain their high state rankings by providing resources that enhance the quality of education for all students. In honor of the more than 170 Fayette businesses that partnered with the county's 28 elementary, middle and high schools in 2002-2003, the school system along with the Fayette County Chamber of Commerce sponsored the fourth annual Partners Recognition Breakfast April 17 at the LaFayette Educational Center. The highlight of the breakfast was the presentation of the small business and corporate business partner of the year award. Chick-fil-A at Towne Center was named the 2003 small business partner of the year. The restaurant was nominated by five of its partner schools. Throughout the year, Chick-fil-A hosts spirit nights where students and their families, faculty and staff are invited to eat dinner at the restaurant with 10 percent of the profits being donated to the school. Additionally, the restaurant donates food and assists schools with other fundraising activities throughout the year. "Chick-fil-A has proven time and again their support of our local school system. Because of their positive and friendly attitudes, and their can do approach, they fulfill the role of a partnership in every respect," said Jeanie Miller, principal of Cleveland Elementary. Cooper Lighting of Peachtree City was award the 2003 corporate partner of the year for its work with Starr's Mill High School. The company has been involved with the school since it opened its doors. One of the initial contributions was a donation of $1,600 to help with landscaping needs. The Panther Athletic Booster Club has also been the recipient of monetary contributions over the years. In 2001, Cooper Lighting donated the lighting for the school's baseball field. Most recently, Cooper partnered with Starr's Mill to formulate a program which qualified for a Project Pace grant. Project Pace is a program sponsored by Cooper Industries and is aimed at supporting vocational and technical programs in high schools, vocational schools and community colleges. The grant consists of three annual $10,000 payments, which are used by the school to enhance educational programs. The first check for $10,000 was presented in 2002. Cooper Lighting's generosity does not extend only to Starr's Mill; each year since 1997 the company has purchased Science Screen Report for the Fayette County Board of Education. This program, which costs $2,500 annually, is made available to all Fayette County schools for use in science education.
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