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The STARs of Roswell
publication date: Apr 18, 2009
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author/source: Andrea Vance and Jonathan Copsey / STAFF
When was the last time you looked into the night sky? Have you ever wondered how the stars were formed? Well, they are formed by huge clouds of gas that allows a star to shine to its greatest potential. Just like that huge cloud of gas, the STAR House Foundation has allowed its STARS to shine to their greatest potential. For 15 years, the STAR House Foundation has been Seeking, Teaching And Reaching to at-risk children in the Roswell community through grants and charitable donations. The STAR House Foundation, located in Mimosa Elementary School, works with 65 at-risk students in the school and about 250 students in surrounding schools ranging from elementary schools up to high schools. They are "at-risk" for a reason. Over the next decade many of these children - coming from some of the poorest families in the area - will be tempted to quit school or make other bad choices that will reflect their education. Some of these children have parents that work long hours and need an after school program that not only provides a safe haven for childcare, but also academic enrichment. Fourth grade twins, Casadarius and Marsalis, who come from a single parent home, attend the STAR House Foundation. "At STAR House I learn, I do my homework and we go outside to play and sometimes we play on laptops," said Marsalis. Both Casadarius and Marsalis are as unique as their names. Outside of school the boys participate in extracurricular activities such as Pack 430 Cub Scouts, martial arts, ballet and their St. David's Church primary choir. "STAR House helps us with our grades and at the end of the month, if you get all good grades, you get a gift card from Wal-Mart." said Casadarius. The boys admit that they don't enjoy doing homework, but are happy that they have help at STAR House. Both of the twins have attended STAR House since the first grade and have earned nothing but A's and B's in their studies thanks to their hard work and the volunteers at STAR House. Efficient is the word that Kay Anderson, mother of Casadarius and Marsalis used to describe the STAR House Foundation. "A day in the life of a single mother is busy and exhausting," she said. "The STAR House Foundation allows me to work extra hours at work while knowing my children are safe." "I take classes online for my CPA license and I work a second job on the weekends from home or sometimes the kids and I will go to the office for a couple of hours," she added. Asked if she would recommend the Foundation to other parents, Anderson said yes. "I would recommend STAR House because it's not just after school childcare, but an after school learning program where children can get a better understanding of their homework." Roswell's Mayor Jere Wood has honored the STAR House with a proclamation naming a day "STAR House Day." Fulton County has acknowledged the STAR Foundation as being "a valuable asset to Fulton County." With the help from the community, the STAR House Foundation has been able to extend its programs to middle and high school students. Currently, STAR House is serving 220 students from K-12th grade. By extending this program, STAR House will allow students' progress and success to be measured. "The children we serve are future leaders of our community," said Judy Semones, Co-Chair of STAR House. "We are trying to prepare them the best we can to make a good future for our community." For more information about the STAR House Foundation, please visit www.starhousefoundation.org. |
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