Why is it high school students don’t understand the importance of doing well in school? Why is it they prefer hanging out with other students who are more interested rap music, the latest designer drugs or the latest clothing fashions? Why do their peer groups ‘frown’’ on them when they try to do well with their subjects in school?
Who do they have as role models? Who do they look up to for guidance and understanding? Why study math, geography, a foreign language and English? What difference does it make?
This is where our guest speaker this morning, Mr. Hinton Dillard, of Literate Nation Atlanta comes into the picture.
Mr. Dillard is a managing partner of Dillard and Company Realty Group. And has taken a fresh view of why high schools in Atlanta have such low graduation rates.
In Atlanta, only 50% of all African Americans graduate from High School. The national average is 67% and that stat is not good either.
The idea Mr. Dillard has is students must hear how important reading is from people who have succeeded ,above all odds, and are world famous, financially successful, widely respected writers or successful business executives.
You have to get young people ‘motivated, enthused and reading’. Literate Nation Atlanta wants to promote reading, writing, and self-motivated education’ as a way for students to see they can succeed in their world.
Why it is important to study reading, writing, and math ,now, for future financial independence and a good life.
By bringing famous, financially successful, widely respected speakers to their schools to show them the ‘bridge’ between reading in school and the success they can have with their lives, Literate Nation Atlanta wants to help students ‘achieve their dreams through perseverance’, by reading and learning constantly.
Hearing success stories from world famous achievers like TV writer Nelson DeMille, or poet Nikki Giovanni, ‘bridges’ the gap that parents and administrators try to promote by saying reading and studying are the foundation of your success in life.
June 14th is the big day. Two Club teams will be vying for the title of ‘big kahuna’ bowling team with ‘bragging rights for a year.’ Each bowler will raise $50 per member and the remainder will be donated by our Club foundation. All funds raised will benefit Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Atlanta.
This month marks the Club’s supply drive for the Genesis Children’s Shelter. Each Club member is required to donate funds or buy baby supplies such as formula –any type, diapers, bed linen, or other baby care products.
The convention this year is in Orlando, Florida. Club President Sherry Neal will attend on behalf of the Club.
Convention will be held August 15, 16, and 17th in Peachtree City, Georgia. Club member John Nix has volunteered to represent our Club.
This month’s Club Board meeting is this Friday June 6th, 7:30 AM at J. Christopher’s restaurant, on West Peachtree and 10th Street. All are welcome to attend.
This past Friday, May 30th, Ronni, Dusty, and Kevin attended the North side Club meeting.
Club member Carolyn VantErve has been traveling on weekends to help sister-in-law with cancer who has a severely handicapped son. He will be placed in a home. Please send her your best wishes and prayers.
Club member Ray Nixon’s wife is getting stronger every day after her surgery. Please send your regards to Rosemary.
The Downtown Club graced us their presence this morning for an interclub.
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