By Blake Joiner

The Rotary Club of East Cobb furthered its partnership with Wheeler High School during a ribbon cutting ceremony launching Wheeler High School's new AVID program. AVID stands for "Advancement Via Individual Determination." The program teaches students effective study skills, time management skills, leadership skills, and strategies for academic success. Students enrolled in the program attend classes that focus on the development of critical thinking, math, and literacy skills to better prepare students for college and beyond.

Students interested in the program submitted applications and were selected after interviews with AVID facility members. The first year will focus on 9th and 10th grade students with plans to expand as the program grows in coming years. The program is lead by AVID certified instructor, Ben Needle who, along with other staff members, has gone through extensive training in the AVID process. AVID Program Manager, M. Allison Childress, and Wheeler High School Principal, Dr. Peter Giles, were present at the ribbon cutting. For the Rotary Club of East Cobb, Past President Sam Pierce, current President Jerry Johnson, Long Term Strategic Planning Committee member Tammy Palmgren, AVID site team member Jonathan Lyons, and many others were instrumental in establishing the partnership and kicking off this new program.

This project and others funded by the Club's Annual Dog Days 5k Run and Tot Trot represent a significant commitment to the community. In July, the 12th annual race attracted more than 700 runners and walkers, and raised more than $90,000 for community and non-profit organizations.

The money raised goes to support and benefit non-profit groups and organizations such as the Cobb Center for Family Resources, Polio Plus, Cobb Library Foundation, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Project Mail Call, Cobb County Public Safety, Canine Assistance, Atlanta Area Boy Scouts Council, CCA Veterans and numerous other non-profit groups.