The event was chaired by Brother Quinton L. Robinson and co-chaired by Brother (Dr.) James Winfrey.

ATLANTA APS students experienced living proof that graduation really achieves dreams during Project GRAD pep rallies at the South Atlanta Education Complex and The New Schools at Carver this week.

Project GRAD (Graduation Really Achieves Dreams) reinforces the reality that college is within reach for all students, regardless of financial need. Since 2000, the district’s signature school reform program has provided tutoring, scholarships and funding for college visits. Two days of pep rallies, complete with a marching band, also keep students focused on the goal.

Patty Pflum, executive director of Communities in Schools Atlanta, donned her Think College t-shirt during the rallies. The shirt has become her uniform of choice when visiting students in their homes as part of the dropout-prevention program.

There are so many adults who care about you and want you to succeed, she said. I want to be back here four years from now to watch you cross the stage [during graduation].

Dr. James Winfrey, chief operating officer and clinical director of The Bridges Center in Atlanta, detailed his path from gang violence on the streets of South Central Los Angeles to special education courses in Dekalb County Schools.

I failed everything, including P.E., he told middle and high school students gathered in the Carver gym on Friday. Winfrey’s turning point happened when a special education teacher refused to let him quit school. I had someone who made me accountable, he said.
With high scores on the SAT, he set a new course, one that included college and more post-secondary education.

I was always told I would end up just like my daddy, but I listened to people who lived the kind of life I wanted to live, said Winfrey, who now helps families struggling with mental health issues. You have a program designed for your success. If you don’t succeed, it’s because you chose not to.

Project GRAD currently serves students on three APS high school campuses Washington, Carver and South Atlanta along with 16 elementary and six middle schools that feed into those schools. Project GRAD scholars attend more than 74 colleges and universities around the country.

For more information about Project GRAD, call 404-802-2315.
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Dr. James Winfrey, clinical director and chief operating officer of The Bridges Center, delivered a powerful message to students.

The event was chaired by Brother Quinton L. Robinson and co-chaired by Brother (Dr.) James Winfrey.

Aiming to defend their crown, the brothers prepared tantalizing dishes that included Kappa Kollard Greens, Guava Tofu & Basmati Rice, Mouth Watering Ribs (Last Year’s Champion), Cajun Etouffee, Jambalaya Pasta, Jerk Chicken, Roasted Chicken with White Wine Cream Sauce and Fried Cajun Turkey with Cranberry/Mandarin Orange Sauce just to name a few. Traftin Thompson took home 1^st prize for his Spinach and Artichoke Dip in the Appetizer category. The chapter also won 1^stprize for Largest Team Group and 1^st prize for Best Overall Presentation.

The event was chaired by Paras Griffin and co-chaired by Napoleon Meadors.

-Written by Rick Pace, Publicity and Publications Chair

-Written by Rick Pace, Publicity and Publications Chair

Commissioner Lee May in partnership with Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. (Stone Mountain-Lithonia Alumni & Decatur Alumni) planned a huge volunteer effort dubbed “Operation Clean Up DeKalb.” This volunteer Sunday event assisted the residents who have been impacted by the flood to remove debris from their homes. There will be on going effort with Commissioner May’s office and Kappa Alpha Psi until the work is done!

Commissioner Lee N. May is proud to announce that the Federal Government has declared DeKalb County a disaster area following the recent rain storms and widespread flooding that occurred throughout Georgia. The Federal Declaration means that the county is now eligible to receive federal assistance that will help citizens on the road to recovery.

“President Obama, Vice President Biden and Governor Perdue acted swiftly to meet the needs of Georgians, and for that DeKalb County thanks them,” said Commissioner May. “I will continue to work with the residents of DeKalb County to ensure they receive the resources they need to rebuild their lives in this time of transition.”

For more information, please contact: http://www.smlnupes.org/ or Commissioner May’s office at 404-371-4745.

Thanks,

SML Technology