Fort Polk Progress
PRESS RELEASE
March 24, 2014
For Immediate Release
Contact: Tammy Sharp
337-378-9329
Fort Polk Progress

Fort Polk Progress: Vernon Middle School Choir to Open Symposium

LEESVILLE, La.--Fort Polk Progress has announced that the Vernon Middle School Choir will open the March 27 Education Symposium with a brief performance.

 

Just last week, the choir received excellent ratings during the Louisiana-wide choir competition in Lake Charles.

 

"The pursuit of excellence is one of the goals of the Fort Polk Progress Education Initiative," said Fort Polk Progress Chairman Michael Reese. "What a fitting reminder that this choir, made up of children who are not only encouraged to pursue excellence, but achieve it, should open our symposium."

 

Community and parent involvement in children's education is vital for pursuing excellence, according to  Vernon Middle School Principal Cassandra Wilson, who said she sees Thursday's symposium as an opportunity for parents to become more involved.  

 

"The Education Symposium is a forum through which the community can assist the schools in meeting the needs of our students," said Wilson. "This is a means of really understanding how important their role is in the success of the students and the schools. Parent involvement is a key factor."

 

 

Gene Davis directs the Vernon Middle School Choir, which is set to open the March 27 Education Symposium at Fort Polk's Bayou Theater. Shown here are choir members: (first row) Kristena Baker, Chenelle Nelson, Dianna Bingaman, Alexia Hickman, Kendall Collins, Nakiya Pringle, Zoe Caralos, Ashley Verry, Sarah Wiese, Vinisia Clark, Ameriona Almestica, Angel Cunningham, Mackenzie Mobley; (second row) Taja Capers, Chasity Williamson, Jordan Randolph, Marie Baker, Abigail Gonzalez, Karlecia Scott, Madison Rasinski, Zareona Craft, Brittany White, Angel Clifton, Amirose Toves, Kaylee Huff, Demetreyona Selma; (third row) LaVora James, Sarah Guerrero, Ondrae'ana Green, Carlisa Fallin, Aaliyah Canada, Amillyana Mozingo, Jasmyne Massenburg, Na'Riah Matthews, Jessica Ellis, Kayla Martinez, Lesley Chatman, Chynell Owens and Kyley Lindsey.
 
About the Symposium

The Education Symposium is part of a larger Education Initiative, a partnership among Fort Polk Progress, the Vernon Parish School District and Fort Polk, to acknowledge the achievements of the Vernon Parish Schools and prepare for future educational challenges. Fort Polk Progress leads the way in the initiative.

 

Aside from keynote speaker Jamie Vollmer, other speakers at the General Session, set for 9-11:30 a.m. at the Bayou Theater, will include Brig. Gen. William Hickman, commanding general of Fort Polk and the Joint Readiness Training Center; Superintendent of Vernon Parish Schools Jackie Self; Paul Sawyer with Louisiana Economic Development; Kerry Laster with the Louisiana Department of Education; and representatives from the Rapides Foundation.

 

Topics of discussion will range from an explanation of the Education Initiative to the workforce and its ties to education; more information on Louisiana's goals for LA4 and Common Core State Standards; how Vernon Parish schools compare nationally; and programs, opportunities, tools and technology available for Vernon Parish parents and students.  

 

Fort Polk Progress will also fund and give away 529 College Savings Plans to seven individuals and $1,000 to a Vernon Parish elementary and/or secondary school during the General Session.

 

Parent University will be held from 1-2:30 p.m. at the Fort Polk Bayou Theater and the Youth Gym (Building 2070). 

 

The evening session will be held from 6-7 p.m. at the Leesville High School Cafeteria to provide a recap of the Symposium to working parents.

 

All sessions are free and open to the public. No special passes will be required to enter Fort Polk. Only a driver's license is needed to enter the installation, and signs will point the way for those in attendance.

 

To pre-register for the Education Symposium visit www.fortpolkprogress.com

  • Click on Education Initiative tab
  • Click on Education Symposium
  • Click on General Session
  • Click on Register Online 

To help spread the word, we've attached a flyer for the event here. We encourage you to print it for dissemination and/or to disseminate digitally. Fort Polk Progress encourages the general public to not only attend this very important event, but also to spread the word to others who may be interested.

Fort Polk Progress is a regional community organization that takes a proactive stance toward Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) by maintaining relationships and partnering with decision makers in Congress, at the Pentagon and at the state level, ensuring that the most up to date information concerning Fort Polk and the surrounding communities is used in decisions concerning the base. In addition, Fort Polk Progress actively markets the base to the military as the most cost effective place to provide soldiers with the best training possible and strives to help ensure the best possible quality of life for soldiers, civilians and their families. 

For more information about Fort Polk Progress visit us on the web, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

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