Kids and mentors enjoyed a day at Elijah Clark State Park courtesy of the Wilkes County Community Partnership and the people who support the program. On Sunday, June 7, Dr. and Mrs. Oliver Myers sponsored an end-ofthe school-year celebration for the middle school graduation coach students.

Dr. and Mrs. Myers are supporters of the Wilkes County Community Partnership (WCCP) programs and initiatives, said WCCP Executive Director Amethyst Wynn. "They sponsored two Elijah Clark State Park field trips for the JUMP (Juvenile Mentoring Program) youth; and, this is their second year of sponsorship for the graduation coach students."

This collaborative arrangement supports the Wilkes Communities In Schools (CIS) - Graduation Coach Initiative, she said. "This event was a reward for students who worked hard during the school year to improve academically and social-emotionally; and, it was an opportunity for the students to further develop 'a personal, one-on-one relationship with a caring adult,' which is one of the five basic CIS Beliefs."

CIS believes every child needs and deserves the five basics: A personal, one-on-one relationship with a caring adult; a safe place to learn and grow; a healthy start and a healthy future; a marketable skill to use upon graduation; and a chance to give back to peers and community

Even though the middle school graduation coach caseload was 71 students, due to park regulations, 40 students received invitations to attend the celebration based on teacher recommendations. Joining Michelle White, middle school graduation coach, the Myerses, and 20 students were: W-W Middle School Assistant Principal Deleki Lee, WCCP Executive Director Amethyst Wynn, Americorps volunteer Mary Bell, bus driver Shirley Berry, along with mentors and volunteers Charles Morgan Jr., Terry Efaw, Wondra Kittle, Roslyn Bell, and Marquis Jones.

Before departing, White took the opportunity to talk to the youth about summer safety, reading, maintaining and excelling present skill levels, discipline, community involvement, and the overall pursuit for excellence and success. As she reminded the students that she would not be returning as their middle school graduation coach, White said, "I pray that the things that I have said to you, and helped you with throughout the school year, have been planted into your hearts and minds. I want to hear great things about your future!"

The Wilkes County Community Partnership welcomes new partners, supporters, members, and volunteers. Meetings are held on the second Thursday of each month at 4 p.m. at the Episcopal Church Parish House. For further information, call Amethyst Wynn at 706-678-7570.