Dolly Parton has her “Imagination Library” project. In Georgia, Robin Ferst replicated that program in 1999, which is now known as the Ferst Foundation for Childhood Literacy. Serving 49 counties -- including Calhoun, Colquitt, Grady, Mitchell and Seminole in Southwest Georgia — the program is all about improving literacy and starting early to do so. Estimates in our state are that over 60 percent of low-income households do not have a single piece of reading material for a child. It is a fact that 75 percent of third- graders that are poor readers will still be poor readers in high school. With registration in the Ferst Foundation and at zero cost to the families, each child receives a book every month in the mail from birth up to his or her fifth birthday — as many as 60 books! In Colquitt County alone, about 800 kids look forward to their monthly mail delivery. In 2007, 323,600 books were delivered to Georgia children. Financial assistance from civic groups and individuals is always appreciated. Call any of the school systems listed above or look the foundation up on the internet. Here is a chance to really make a difference.
Speaking of academics, fifth- graders (as well as their parents and teachers) at Pelham Elementary School all deserve a big “thumbs up”! Out of 117 students, 71 percent met or exceeded the writing standard of the state-mandated writing assessment. When realizing that grade level had only 47 percent of the students who met or exceeded the standard last school year, the improvement is incredible. Writing has become a part of the daily schedule for all Pelham Elementary students and the work has paid off greatly.
From near secrecy about her diabetic condition to sharing her experiences nationwide, ASU Theatre Director Wendy Coleman has made a complete turnaround in her thinking. An advertisement in a magazine for the 2007 Bayer Dream Fund contest got that theatrical mind of Coleman’s going. What if she could use the theater to promote diabetes awareness? Coleman’s idea for an original play was the winning entry. In addition to the $100,000 prize, her play will run in several cities throughout the fall and feature all local actors and actresses. Coleman hopes to reach many people with her message about diabetes and how to live well and achieve dreams despite the disease. The talented Coleman epitomizes the saying of “bloom where you’re planted,” and we look forward to the play’s debut ... right here in Albany.
— The Albany Herald Editorial Board