Former Red Sox Pitcher Headlines Fulton Schools Faith Summit

The Fulton County School System on Thursday is hosting its fourth annual Faith Summit designed to forge partnerships between schools and the faith community.

The event is 10 a.m. to noon at Roswell United Methodist Church.

Leaders of local houses of worship will attend a morning of collaborative discussion with Superintendent Robert Avossa, school principals and other district leaders. Last year’s summit filled the event space at Stonecreek Church in Milton, and this year a higher number of participants are attending.

John Trautwein, former Boston Red Sox pitcher, motivational speaker and founder of the Will To Live Foundation, will deliver an inspirational message “that is sure to resonate with school and faith leaders as they come together to make commitments that will enhance the lives of Fulton students,” the school system said in a press release.

The free event also will provide information and resources that encourage creation of partnerships that improve student achievement, increase community support of schools and support the district’s Strategic Plan goals of increasing graduation and preparing students for college and work. Participants are learning practical ways to offer assistance and provide resources that benefit both schools and houses of worship.

“We look to our local houses of worship for ways to make a greater impact in the community,” said Superintendent Avossa. “They have the ability to reach our students and their families in a different way and can provide resources that not only help students, but also strengthen our communities.”

In addition to continuing a critical conversation about how houses of worship can be supporters for schools, faith leaders are learning how their congregations can commit time or start service projects, such as creating food pantries, mentoring programs, or clothing drives for families in need.

Breakout sessions organized by Learning Community are pairing faith houses with the schools in their geographic area so they can start a dialogue specific to their needs.

Roswell United Methodist Church is at 814 Mimosa Boulevard.

Photo: John Trautwein, left, is shown here with former University of Georgia football player Herschel Walker. Credit: The Will To Live Foundation’s Facebook page