FamiliesFORWARD, Evanston take home top state award

The Ohio Department of Education has recognized FamiliesFORWARD and Evanston Academy with a Gold Award for The Gifts We Share program.

The Gifts We Share is a literacy program that encourages student involvement in the community. Students become pen pals with senior citizens in the neighborhood. Students learn reading and writing skills through the program, and also exchange small gifts and plan projects with the seniors. Each year, the students and the seniors gather at a downtown hotel for a formal dinner recognizing their friendship and educational experiences.

The Gifts We Share also is part of FamiliesFORWARD’s programs at Bond Hill Academy, Carson School and Hays-Porter Elementary.

The Department of Education established award categories for best practices statewide in 21st Century Community Learning Centers in three categories:

Gold, Silver and Bronze awards were handed out Feb. 1, 2012, for the best practices in each category.

FamiliesFORWARD and Evanston Academy won the top award for Category 3. The Silver Award went to Muskingum Valley ESU, and the Bronze went to Logan Hocking Schools.

Category 1 winners were Wood County Educational Service Center (Gold); YMCA of Greater Cincinnati/Pleasant Ridge Montessori (Silver); and Gallia Vinton Educational Service Center (Bronze).

Category 2 winners were Northwest Ohio Educational Service Center (Gold); Mount Washington (Silver); and Delaware City Schools (Bronze).

This was the first year for the awards, and the state education department said about 15 entries were received in each category. All 21st Century Community Learning Center grantees were eligible to participate.

—Bill Ferguson Jr.