Child Development Association Recognizes 'Shining Stars'

In October, the Child Development Association hosted its annual volunteer luncheon to recognize its five Shining Stars: individual volunteer, corporate, civic, faith and partner of the year.

The awards awarded this year were:

2015 Shining Star of the Year: Giselle Lessig

• Giselle Lessig is a licensed and certified dietician who presents family workshops on nutrition and was instrumental in starting the CDA’s Farm to Preschool Initiative.

Faith Shining Star of the Year: Queen of Angels Catholic School

• Queen of Angels Catholic School supports many local and international organizations through school-wide projects which include children giving of their time, talent and treasure. The entire school community also supports disaster relief efforts as needed. Since 2004 the 8th grade class has provided a two day fun-filled carnvial for preschool children at the CDA. The 8th graders set up activity stations that include fishing, basketball, parachute play, face painting and other games. This special time between the 8th graders and the children at the CDA has become one of the CDA’s highlight events of the year.

Civic Shining Star of the Year: Historic Roswell Kiwanis

• Over the years, the Historic Roswell Kiwanis has hosted many special events for the children such as a Pre-K fishing outing, Easter Egg Hunts, and annual Santa visits. The Kiwanis group also participates in the centers Reading Aloud sessions twice a month.

Corporate Shining Star of the Year: TechniPower

• Jeff McCoy and his team at TechniPower were instrumental in launching the CDA’s Santa Night fundraiser in 2013. Jeff has been a corporate sponsor for Santa Night and the CDA’s Down Home Derby events. TechniPower has a culture of giving back to the community and supports children’s organizations both locally and nationally.

Partner of the Year: Rotary Club of North Fulton

• The Rotary Club of North Fulton has been supporting the CDA for over a decade. This group has been stellar in raising funds and writing grants to fund critical needs at the center. Some of their contributions include: computers for classrooms; renovating the teachers lounge; overhauling lighting fixtures throughout the building; and early literacy materials for the classrooms

The Child Development Association provides early care and learning programs for children from low-income famlies. For more information visit www.cdakids.org.

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Photo credit: Child Development Association