Smyrna-Vinings School News To Use

The Rotary Club of Vinings continued its fervent support for the Cobb Adult Education Center this month, presenting a substantial donation to the center to be used for General Education Development (GED) scholarships for adult learners in the community.

The Adult Education Center provides literacy education, remedial instruction, ESOL courses and the GED program for adult students in Cobb County. The center’s goal is to attain a “Fully Literate Georgia” ready for work, a strong community, and strong families.

Since January 2009, the Vinings Rotary Club has donated more than $5,000 to the Adult Education Center. Over the past decade, the center’s GED testing program has awarded 7,078 GED diplomas to Cobb County residents.

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Congratulations to Whitefield Academy’s Luke Putney, who this month was recognized as Teen Volunteer of the Year at the annual National Philanthropy Day Awards Luncheon. The luncheon, hosted by the Atlanta Chapter of the Society of Fundraising Professionals, recognized individuals across metro Atlanta for their fundraising efforts and volunteer participation.

One of three teenagers recognized at the luncheon as Teen Volunteers of the Year, Putney was honored for his "Wrestling for Wells" fundraiser. Using his passion for wrestling, Putney challenged donors to give money for each of his wins. The project raised more than $4,000 to provide safe drinking water to a village in Sudan, Africa.

Also, using his musical talents, he spent last summer in Ecuador teaching music and english to abused children. He is now in the process of launching a project designed to provide musical instruments to pediatric patients at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. 

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A display of artwork by Whitefield middle and upper school students is now featured at the . Upper school students with art on display are Kristen Fikse (9th), Rachel Hicks (9th), Sophie Kemether (10th), Tanner Parks (12th), Carson Quiros (12th), Chandler Reagan (11th), James Schultz (11th), Breonna Scott (12th), and Sarah Stowe (12th).

Middle school students with artwork on display are Jack Fitzgerald (7th), Samara Huggins (7th), Harlan Kyle (8th), Katherine Martin (7th), Luke Miltner (8th), J.T. Morris (8th), and John Schwartz (8th). The exhibit will remain up through December 31.

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The Lovett School was one of five independent schools that participated in the Atlanta Habitat for Humanity 20th Independent School Build. The dedication ceremony took place on Nov. 19. The students and teachers from Lovett, Marist, Pace, Westminster, and Woodward began building this home on Oct. 8, and put the finishing touches on the home on the Saturday before the dedication.

In addition, Lovett purchased a bench to give as a housewarming gift to the family that moved into the home. Lovett students stained and decorated the bench, which was placed on the front porch of the new home as a sign of welcome.

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Lovett’s Admission and Alumni Offices have joined forces this fall and winter to get alumni back on campus and their last event of the season is this Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to noon.

So if you’re an alumnus and looking for a way to keep your children or grandchildren entertained, consider attending Art and Acting for Kids.

• Sara Cameli, Middle School art teacher: creating styrofoam etchings to make holiday cards (10:30 a.m. to noon)
• Chris Ekholm, Middle School drama teacher, and Middle School students: performing a scene from their winter show and conducting improv games (sessions at 10:45 a.m. and 11:15 a.m.)
• Cookie decorating, hot chocolate, popcorn, and snacks for all! (10:30 a.m. to noon)

Activities are in the new Portman Family Middle School on the third floor. Activities are appropriate for all ages, but all children must be accompanied by grown-ups. RSVP to AlumniRSVP@lovett.org

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’s annual Hoilday Breakfast is slated for Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon and volunteers are needed. See here if interested. 

The link will take you to the Volunteer Spot website where you can enter your email address. (No registration required) Then click on the picture of the clipboard that says “sign up,” and simply choose the area and time slot where you can help. Click “confirm” when you are done signing up.

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Finally, congratulations to ’s Mayor's Education Award recipients: Espandza Martinez - third grade student; Ken Lunsford – parent; and Cheryl Carson – staff.

All of Smyrna’s Mayor’s Education Award recipients from area schools will be honored before next Monday’s Smyrna Mayor and City Council meeting beginning at 6 p.m.