Green Bay Packer and Calhoun City native M.D. Jennings is in the process of establishing a foundation through which he hopes to improve educational opportunities for Calhoun County children.
Jennings, who just completed his third season with the Packers, said he hasn’t yet decided on a name for his foundation, but has determined some initial projects.
One of the first things he wants to do is establish four $3,000 college scholarships. The numbers are reflective of his jersey number – 43.
“I’ve seen the importance of education,” said Jennings, an Arkansas State University graduate. “I want to be able to help kids that may not otherwise have an opportunity to continue their education beyond high school.”
Jennings is also partnering with Excel in Calhoun City to help provide support for their after-school tutoring programs.
“Everything I’ve read says it’s important to help kids in those early grades to keep them on track,” Jennings said. “I actually saw a tweet from the Calhoun County Journal about local test scores and I immediately knew I wanted to do something. Then I thought about Excel.”
Sister Judy Sinnwell, director at Excel in Calhoun City, said Jennings’ support will be key as they work with the school district to help students stay on track with the changing curriculums.
“Next year the third grade reading gate takes effect where students are required to be on the correct reading level or they must be held back,” Sinnwell said.
Jennings has been visiting with children at Excel recently hoping to give them encouragement to keep working.
“I just want to try and help them understand the importance of their education,” Jennings said. “Keep them motivated to work hard in the classroom.”
Jennings will be one of the speakers at the sixth annual Celebrate Excel event on Feb. 21 at the multi-purpose center in Pittsboro.
“We want the community to know the importance of supporting the work here at Excel,” Jennings said.