The community continues to offer their time and energy to a school that has traditionally been the center of activity for Snellville.
Community businesses and partners continue to volunteer time for a program called F.U.T.U.R.E. The program enlists the help of Snellville United Methodist Church and Westminster Presbyterian Church who have partnered with South Gwinnett High School to continue the after school program at the high school. F.U.T.U.R.E. addresses students that need a safe environment for the hours they spend around the high school waiting on an afternoon ride home. “The church, the school, the parents and the students will share the responsibility for improved student academic achievement, core values, leadership skills and career development,” explains local volunteer, Chris Snell. “It is a pleasure to be a part of this program.”
The program offers many activities including mentoring opportunities. South Gwinnett High School’s F.U.T.U.R.E. program – G.W.A.P. also known as Girls With A Purpose is led by counselor and mentor, Sharai Bradshaw. “The group is made of young women between the ages of 14-18, who meet weekly to discuss positive attributes which will impact their actions on being productive and helpful in the community,” says Bradshaw. Alongside the adult facilitator, peer facilitators assist with each activity and offer mentorship, which conveys and encourages leadership to all of the members. The group discusses topics such as, self-esteem, body image, and relationships. “The ladies created pillows with encouraging messages to help children with illnesses,” says Bradshaw. “Once the pillows were completed they were donated to the Children’s Hospital.” GWAP’s members are excited about future activities and hopeful about making a positive impact on the community. There is also a program for the young men that addresses similar topics and activities called MEN OF HONOR and is led by Mr. John Leece.
Dexter Jenkins, one of the directors of the after-school program states, “We hope the message of “it is better to give than to receive” becomes a lifelong passion of our young people.”.
South Gwinnett continues to see a bright future through active participation and partnerships between the community, students and staff. It is all part of being a Comet.
F.U.T.U.R.E. =
- Fellowship & Fun
- Understanding
- Tutoring
- Unity
- Recreation
- Education
