Good Cause

By KIMBERLY BATTY-HERBERT | Highlands Today
Published: August 13, 2008

In contrast to the continual bantering of citizens with complaints, I want to share a recent experience that significantly bolsters my pride in our community and local college.

A dedicated group of educators at South Florida Community College developed and conducted a Summer Bridge Program for current and recently graduated high school students in need of additional support to raise their college readiness level. The students devoted a large portion of their summer toward self improvement. They worked hard, with the majority making excellent academic gains. We believed their efforts needed to be rewarded. To that end, an awards luncheon was organized.

I would like to personally and publicly thank those in our community that demonstrated their commitment to education by donating to this effort. Each of the following were essential to the successful event: Bob Evans, Chicanes Restaurant, Clock Restaurant, Ruby Tuesdays, Save-a-lot Food Stores, Sonny's Real Pit Barbeque, Sweetbay Supermarket, Winn-Dixie, Woody's BBQ and Yianni's Prime Choice Steakhouse.

When patronizing these businesses please be sure to thank them for their commitment to our local students.

Kimberly Batty-Herbert
Dean of Arts and Sciences
South Florida Community College
Avon Park