Tucker County Rotarians have been challenged to help local students and/or to make others aware of the opportunity.
At the request of Tucker County High School (TCHS) staff, four volunteers began during the second 2013-14 semester school year to meet with students who need help in ways not covered by the standard curriculum. Eight students took part in the program to begin; five remainded at the end of the semester. Perhaps the greatest sense of accomplishment came when the remaining five students returned this fall to serve as mentors for fellow students.
Tucker County Rotarians, Oct. 29, were told of SPARK by President Angie Shockley. Members meet weekly for a luncheon meeting at the Sawmill Restaurant in Davis.
Shockley is the founder of Q&A Associates in Canaan Valley, an umbrella company with three residential programs for at-risk young adults. She founded Q&A in October 2010 so she could return to her native West Virginia and live where she could be with her family and her horses.
Loving the work she have been doing, she and three other local volunteers agreed to initiate the program they call SPARK one afternoon a week after school closes for the day. The work centers on coping skills,school stress, lack of interest, help with homework, etc. Response, Shockley said has been very good.
Schockley said she had already been introduced to the local schools and has been impressed with the staff and the students. After SPARK was underway, the four volunteers were asked to speak to the TCHS student body about coping skills.
During the business meeting Rotarians briefly discussed the annual Christmas party, and “Light Up Rotary,” inviting the public to a pancake meal where donations will be made to the National Rotary Polio Fund. A blood drive is also planned for that day.