Alumni group offers mentoring and scholarships as district reports $114,250 awarded to seniors

Members of a growing Sweet Home African‑American Alumni Association told the board they want to partner with schools on mentoring, scholarships and internships, and district officials reported more than $114,000 in scholarship awards this year.

"Our goal is to simply help students," said an alumnus who spoke to the board. "We want to give back ' to mentor students and to show support." The alumni group's president, Steve Pittz, attended the meeting and the district said several alumni are ready to volunteer for classroom visits, mentor programs and a planned backpack program.

Administrators also reported that Dollars for Scholars and other donors awarded 57 seniors a total of $114,250 in scholarships this year. "We had 94 students fully complete the application process'and about two out of every three kids won some sort of scholarship," Mr. Feldman said, noting the program has distributed nearly $2 million in scholarships since 1989.

Board members thanked the alumni participants and described ways the district will publicize upcoming alumni events and a planned August 15 community giveaway. Communications staff said they will promote the initiative through newsletters and social media.

The board also recognized outgoing student representative Javon Coleman for his work asking questions and representing student views at meetings. Coleman said serving on the board was "an honor" and thanked members as he prepares to leave for college next year.

District leaders said they welcome partnership offers from alumni groups and will coordinate next steps through central office and public relations staff.