Reinhardt University was honored as a School Partner of the Year by the Cherokee County School District for the work students, faculty and staff do throughout the school year.
“Supportive community partners and caring volunteers are necessary for our school district’s success, and we appreciate all that they do,” Superintendent of Schools and Reinhardt alumnus Dr. Brian Hightower said. “Recognizing those who give so much of their time, talent and treasure is just one way to foster these relationships. It’s inspiring and heartwarming to learn more about all that our partners and volunteers do to make a difference in the lives of the children and the families that we serve.”
The awards ceremony, sponsored by the Cherokee County Educational Foundation, was held at Woodstock High School April 18. Vice President for Advancement & Marketing Tim Norton was in attendance to receive the University’s award.
Reinhardt University partners with R.M. Moore Elementary School each year on several projects including a festival haunted house, reading buddies and the Giving Tree at Christmas.
During the Christmas season, Reinhardt University faculty, staff, students and community members partner with the school to assist local families in need with Christmas gifts. This past Christmas, the University family provided for seven families, including 17 children in the community.
Reinhardt student-athletes spent a great deal of time at the school, including football and soccer players who volunteered by reading and helping out in the classroom.
The Lady Eagles softball team volunteers twice a week each fall in the elementary school’s P.E. classes, something head coach Jade Geuther says is important to Reinhardt students’ overall experience.
“It’s important for us to volunteer at the elementary school because a big thing in my coaching philosophy is for my student-athletes to be well-rounded. We are good softball players, but I strongly believe it’s more important to be great in the classroom and to be great people,” Geuther said. “Working with these kids gives us a refreshing and positive outlook on life. Rarely do they come to P.E. and have a bad outlook on anything. It’s a time that we can let loose and have fun while still honing our leadership and role model characteristics with them. I appreciate Coach Amberly Brown (the P.E. teacher we work with) opening her arms to us, and I hope we can continue the special give and take relationship we have with them.”
