Forsyth among nation’s best for young people Honor second in three years By Jennifer Sami
jsami@forsythnews.com
As the school system’s principals gathered, little did they know Forsyth County was about to again be named as one of the 100 best communities for young people. “We just knew there was a secret. We didn’t know what it was,” said Lambert High School Principal Gary Davison. “It’s a great honor for us to be recognized in such a way. “It’s a great way to get credit and receive a pat on the back for the things that we do every day.” Cheering erupted in the school board building as the principals watched America’s Promise Alliance announce Forsyth, which was one of just three communities in Georgia honored. The others were Houston and Troupe counties. But perhaps few people were more excited than Judi Jenkins and Ruth Goode, the two women who handled the county’s application. “It’s the community, it’s not just us,” said Jenkins, the community relations facilitator for the local school system. “There are so many people and programs that help contribute to this.” It was the second time in three years Forsyth has won the honor, which is presented by ING. The county was first honored in 2010. John Gomperts, America’s Promise Alliance president and CEO, noted the timing of the announce-
ment. “As young people across the country go back to school, it is especially timely to recognize communities like Cumming/Forsyth County that have come together to make supporting young people a top priority and that are committed to helping young Americans reach their full potential,” Gomperts said in a statement. “The 100 Best winners are doing outstanding work delivering the Five Promises that create the conditions for all young people to have the best chance for success. We hope the example set by these communities provides inspiration for others to take action.” Goode, executive director of United Way of Forsyth County, said the honor was due to several factors the county has in its favor. She said Forsyth’s highperforming school system, businesses that are partners in education, nonprofit organizations and community leaders all have “a hand in making this the best community for young people.” “Forsyth County can win this every year. We just have to highlight best what we do here every day,” Goode said. In the application, she and Jenkins highlighted the county school system’s partners in education program, the various child advocacy groups, nonprofits and safe houses for both boys and girls. Also touted were the suc-
PAGE 4 — Life in Forsyth — JULY 2013
cess of the SAT 2400 Challenge, which has already helped lift SAT scores, and the Pathways for Reaching Opportunities in Preparing for Excellence in Life program. PROPEL is a joint initiative between the school system and the CummingForsyth County Chamber of Commerce to raise Forsyth’s high school graduation rate. Davison said he was excited the award honored not just the school district, but the local leaders and businesses who make the community a place for youth to thrive. “It’s the one thing we’re able to achieve where we all work together for the same thing, so it’s nice to be recognized for that,” he said. “Many of us moved here from other places and this is confirmation of why we moved here.” The “best communities” distinction is based on five promises to provide a community’s youth with caring adults, safe places, a healthy start, effective education and opportunities to help others. Forsyth first earned the ranking in 2010. While it did not make the list last year, Jenkins said officials have a better understanding of what it takes. “You want to strive to keep getting better. You have over 350 communities applying for it and they pick 100, so you’re playing against the best and I think you have to keep striving to improve,” she said. “It shows that you’re succeeding if you can keep winning each year.”
BK Productions is holding AUDITIONS for WHITE CHRISTMAS and THE GEORGIA SENIOR FOLLIES
Nov. 21st - Dec. 15th, 2013 The Cumming Playhouse
May 2nd - 18th, 2014 The Cumming Playhouse
Looking for Actors, Singers, Dancers, Impressionists, and Specialty Acts who are 55+ years for the premier of the Golden Age of Television. Especially looking for actors who can play TV celebrities such as Ed Sullivan, Lawrence Welk, Dean Martin, Jackie Gleason, Carol Burnett, Goldie Hawn, etc. Please be prepared with a one minute monologue.
Audition Dates: August 22, 24 & 25
Call 678-455-6110
for audition times and appointments