Events of the past three weeks have made Excel staff and advisory board aware of local county-wide community support.
Celebrate Excel, the annual winter fundraiser held Feb. 27 at Pittsboro, brought in over $2,600 financial support for the major programs Excel provides for students grades 1-6. This was the smallest amount raised at the annual event in its seven year history.
However, that evening native son, Sean Cannon, gave the keynote message in which he named specific and practical work-ethic behaviors that every student needs to be successful in any area of professional development.
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Pam Shaw with the New Century Club and Sister Judy Sinnwell
“Adults and students grades 5-12 need to hear this message,” said Sr. Judy Sinnwell. In fact, she suggested to Sean that he keep his notes and become a resource for educators as they work to help students develop the kind of skills that make a difference in every work and professional area.
“It is great to have a native son come back, talk about and model the skills that make that kind of difference for an individual and for a community,” Sinnwell said.
In addition, three significant financial contributions were received during this same three week period – Cannon Motors made the second donation of a five year pledge of $1,000 annually; the New Century Club of Calhoun City made the first donation of a five year pledge of $500 annually; and Tri-Community Homemakers made the first donation of $250 as a Twenty-for-Twenty benefactor, pledging $1,000 for the current year.
Sinnwell emphasized additional funding to support Excel’s programs is vital.
“Excel’s tight budget and low tuition require a steady input of funds,” she said.
Sinnwell is retiring June 30 and it has been noted it’s “highly unlikely that a sister will be sent to replace her.”
“The county needs the next generation of leadership and benefactors of the type it had 20 years ago when Excel started,” Sinnwell said. “That group identified the need, met the task, and has been key to keeping Excel going over the years.
“That same kind of community effort needs to be taken up by the next generation. The torch is being passed. There are capable folks in the county that can do this.”
“With Mississippi ranking 50th in three recent national rankings of state educational achievement, everyone needs to see the importance of Excel and make a decision to support it,” Sinnwell said.
“This is not the time to lose this resource for the children of the county. Financial support is vital, from individuals, educators, businesses and civic organizations.
“That’s why the donors named above are recognized. Hopefully, one or more folks will accept this invitation to be involved in this community effort. Keep this educational resource alive. Talk about this to friends and colleagues. Make something happen. Our children are too precious for adults not to be involved.”
A celebration of Excel’s 20 years in Calhoun County is scheduled for Sunday afternoon, April 26 at the Methodist Corner. Scheduled is a celebration, not a fundraiser, all are welcome.
