By Montreal Spencer/south news editor
In an effort to mentor local young girls, the Future Educators Association will help make personalized greeting cards Feb. 12 with students from Clifford Davis Elementary.
Education instructor Altheria Gaston said the idea for the event originated when one of her ex-students visited her over Christmas break. She said as they were catching up, they made Christmas cards.
“I wanted to get other women who would support me in this project and who would have good experiences to share with the children,” Gaston said.
South faculty, staff and students will be paired with children from Clifford Davis, noon-2 p.m. in the SSTU Living Room.
“We’re hoping to get 15 to 20 women to commit to it,” she said. “Therefore, we can get 15 to 20 children.”
Gaston said the events provide potential for the girls to learn from adults as they’re making the cards as well as potential for the adults to learn from the children.
Clifford Davis Elementary was chosen because it’s close to South Campus, and an instructor who has worked with the school’s principal, Sheila Turner, recommended it.
Turner said some of the girls needed to see adult business and professional women in action.
“I think it’s a wonderful opportunity for the girls to work with these women and also an opportunity to plant the seed to achieve a higher education,” she said.
If everything goes well, Gaston would like to repeat the program next semester with the same children.
“We want the students from Clifford Davis to leave here inspired and to take away good memories,” she said. “Maybe when it’s time for them to go to college, they’ll come here and remember ‘these women helped me.’”
The FEA is asking for $20 donations to defray the cost of supplies and to provide afternoon refreshments. Donations are needed by Jan. 29.
A portion of the funds may be used to fund future FEA activities.
To donate, e-mail kimberlyn.webb@tccd.edu or call 817-515-4372.
