Thursday, November 15, 2007

Nov 14 2007

Pictured: Sue McLeese, students, Brittany Starky and Phillip Levi and Chris Joye



Patty Cavanaugh was presented a plaque by Stacey Atkinson of DJJ for her interior decorating contributions at a DJJ facility.

Sue McLeese, guest speaker, shared with the club the concept of the Middle College program of Midlands Technical College. The program takes high school drop outs and lets them finish their high school education on the college campus and then prepares them for college courses.

Photos by John Adair
Reporter: Ritchie Tidwell

The Rotary Club of Lake Murray was called to order on November 14, 2007 by Eddie Robinson in the absence of President Beetle Bailey. Following recognition of guests, a representative of the Spring Valley Rotary Club discussed their fundraiser for the holidays to sell an assortment of nuts. Lyman Whitehead lightened the mood with his health and happiness report. Patty Cavanaugh announced that the holiday party for this year is Dec. 12 from 7-10 p.m. at our meeting location.
Stacey Adkinson, representing Friends of Juvenile Justice, recognized Patty Cavanaugh for her efforts in coordinating and developing the resources to support a home for girls leaving DJJ institutions. Ginny Barr announced that the club had provided a scholarship to Antonio to go to Barber School following his release from DJJ after three years and read a letter from him discussing his goals. John Adair mentioned that the annual holiday meeting of the club will be December 19.
Chris Joye introduced the guest speaker, Sue McLeese, director of the Middle School College at the Midlands Technical College airport campus. The college, which serves 16-19 year-olds in Richland, Lexington and Newberry Counties, provides an alternative educational setting with college credit for students on the verge of dropping out of school or who are not suited for the traditional high school setting. Students are not eligible if they have serious behavioral problems. Class size is about 15 students and students are provided with laptop computers when they graduate, and their diploma is from their home school. Midlands Tech has contributed $1.5 million in facilities and more than $300,000 has been contributed by the business community. The Nord Foundation has also contributed $100,000. Each school district provides $3,000 per student to attend.
Two students, Britney Starr from Dutch Fork High School and Phillip Levi from Irmo High School, discussed their satisfaction with what the school has provided for them.
Ms. McLeese pointed out that about 54% of ninth graders in South Carolina do not graduate and how important it is to provide an alternative to curb the dropout rate in the future.

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