The Fayette County Chamber of Commerce recently honored members of the business community who have made outstanding contributions to the Fayette County school system through the Partners in Education program. On Friday, May 1st at New Hope Baptist Church, three outstanding business partners were recognized for their contributions of time, talent, and treasure to enhance the educational opportunities of Fayette students.

The following business partners were nominated for the Outstanding Partners in Education Awards: Chick-fil-A (Fayetteville Towne Center); Chick-fil-A (Hwy 54 in PTC); Club Z! In-Home Tutoring Services; Coldwater Creek; Delta Community Credit Union (Crosstown Branch); Delta Community Credit Union (Hwy 74 Branch); Diversified Electronics; Mathnasium; Old Colonial Restoration; Southern Community Bank; Target (Fayetteville); United Community Bank.

The nominees provided various contributions including employee volunteerism, as well as monetary or in-kind support for projects and programs throughout the 2008-2009 school year.

Delta Community Credit Union’s Hwy 74 Branch in Peachtree City was the first honoree for their contributions to the students and staff of Peachtree City Elementary. Mentorship was a big part of their contribution for the afterschool (ASP) program. DCCU also provided funds for supplies and new speakers and provided a place for the children to perform. They provided meeting rooms and in-services for the teachers. At the same time, students from Peachtree City Elementary supported Delta Community Credit Union in their community efforts. This partnership has been building for two years.

Delta Community Credit Union’s Crosstown Branch also received a recognition award for donating 3 sets of “cubbies” for 20 classrooms for a total of 60 units. DCCU took care of all the materials, labor, and delivery expenses. In addition, several staff members are regular volunteers in the classrooms, working one on one with the children who need extra help in reading and/or math. Bonnie Hancock, Principal of Oak Grove Elementary made the nomination and said “Having someone from outside the school faculty come in and focus their attention on one child is invaluable”.

The final award was presented to Club Z! In-Home Tutoring Services who enthusiastically became engaged in working with McIntosh High School to develop a specific SAT/ACT prep test. Funds collected for the prep tests were given directly to the Guidance department for student needs. Club Z! In-Home Tutoring Services donated approximately 142 personnel hours in administering, scoring, and reporting results. The experience was so positive, the plan will be offered again next year. They have provided other schools with funds to support Spring Flings, Chorus programs, 5k runs and the “Evening with the Stars” retirement celebration. They have also given gifts for teacher recognition, free tutoring scholarships and approximately 145 hours of free tutoring.

The guest speaker at the breakfast was Keith L. Brown, “Motivator of the Millennium”. Keith’s inspirational message educated, entertained and empowered over 100 attendees, including Board of Education representatives, school administrators, teachers, Fayette Chamber members and other representatives from the Fayette business community.

The event was sponsored by The Southern Federal Credit Union, Piedmont Fayette Hospital, Delta Community Credit Union and speaker Keith L. Brown.

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