Students get a running start on education

By Kate McCardell

Published: May 27, 2008

Ten Jackson County students have a running start on college funds thanks to a collaborative effort by a state program, a local organization and other members of the community.

In its second year, Lighting the Way for Kids has so far raised $50,000 in scholarship funds to be used by 10 committee-selected students.

That money was matched dollar-for-dollar by the state program Taking Stock in Children, bringing the total in scholarship funds to $100,000, or $10,000 per each chosen student.

“It’s for kids who need a boost in order to continue their education and go on to college,” said Dr. Plinio Tuta, founding president of the Lighting the Way program. “We monitor and mentor these kids from the time they get the scholarship through 12th grade to help them complete their goal.”

The scholarship recipients, their families and the community members that made the scholarships possible all gathered on May 19 at Jim’s Buffet to celebrate with a banquet.

Recipients of the 2008 scholarships are: Horace Clayton Gay of Cottondale High School; Valerie D’Ambrosio of Cottondale High School; Destiny Robinson of Graceville High School; Nicholas Breeden of Malone High School; Jaytwan McKay-Solomon of Malone High School; Amber Pate of Malone High School; Austin Williams of Malone High School; and Jacqueline Rodriquez of Marianna Middle School.

Two students were awarded scholarships in 2007. They were: Jaymison Blount of Malone High School and Christina McAlpin of Marianna High School.
With help from Shirl Williams and Carolyn Glass, who represent the state with Taking Stock in Children, and Superintendent Danny Sims, the school district selects a mentor for each scholarship recipient.

The mentor meets with the student every week for one hour to provide academic support, continue monitoring and intervention, encourage the active engagement of parents in the child’s academic and personal development and provide career and educational counseling.

“They sign a contract promising not to get on drugs or alcohol and basically to not get into trouble,” said Tuta. “Their parents also sign a contract that states that the parents will keep constant supervision and will work with their child’s mentor.”

Students are expected to maintain a GPA of at least 2.5.

“The families when they hear they’re approved for this scholarship, they’re overwhelmed. Some parents even are crying. There’s, of course, a lot of emotion when parents see their kids are getting a good chance at college,” said Tuta.

Those interested in mentoring a student, contributing financially to the program, or applying to become a recipient may visit the Web site http://www.lightingthewayforkids.org.

Donors who contributed to the last ten scholarships are: Fred Compagni; Steve Long with Old Spanish Trail Umber Company; Maria Valiente with Habana Express; Linda Pforte; Bob and Katherine Pforte with Bob Pforte Dodge; Don Walters with Orange Hill Soil and Water Conservation District; Arthur Baker with the Marianna Optimist Club Foundation; William Long with the Marianna Optimist Club Foundation; Chuck Lockey with Jackson County Board of Commissioners; Mickey Gilmore with Marianna Wal-Mart Supercenter; and Tarek Gad with Jim’s Buffet.

The Lighting the Way for Kids Program was founded members of the Marianna Optimist Club.

Members of Taking Stock in Children and Lighting the Way for Kids include: Don Walters, Lowell Centers, Daniel G. Sims, Jamie Streetman, Dr. Plinio Tuta, Carolyn Glass, Shirl Williams, Don Jones, Ted Lakey, Hayes Baggett, Mickey Gilmore and Glenn Hoff.