Dear Editor,
Most Greene County Citizens would agree that one cornerstone for any community is the successful education of their children.
Locally, Lake Oconee Academy’s public charter school has set a high bar for academic excellence since its inception in 2007.
Additional positive local news is that our other public schools have achieved dramatic test score improvements. According to Department of Education reports for 2023, they are outperforming many of their public school peers in Georgia while concurrently closing the gap with Lake Oconee Academy.
Much of the non-LOA test score improvements should be credited to the students, their parents, and their teachers. I submit that substantial credit also should be given to the below-listed organizations and the more than 450 unpaid volunteers who support them with their time and treasure!
Greene County’s education-focused non-profits*
• ATLAS Ministry
• Ferst Readers
• Greene College and Career Academy
• Greene County Retired Educators
• Learn to Read/Read to Learn
• Pete Nance Boys and Girls Club
• REACH Scholars
• Reading Buddies
• UGA Leadership
• Victory Train *Apologies to any education-focused organizations that I failed to list.
Closing Comment: Beyond the education-focused organizations, there are at least forty church and other volunteer-dependent organizations that prioritize housing, food, health, transportation, veterans, wildlife, spiritual support, the elderly, and much more for those in need.
This giving approach by so many citizens has set a gold standard for the rest of our state and country and is one reason why so many residents proudly call Greene County our home.
Tom Kelly