The licensed psychologists of the Georgia Psychological Association have given their annual award for an undergraduate paper in clinical psychology to Sister Robert Therese Miller, a sixth grade teacher at Immaculate Heart of Mary School.

The title of the paper was “Hope for One.” She was presented the award at the group’s annual luncheon May 8 at Callaway Gardens.

She was chosen for the award by Dr. Peter Mayfield of Atlanta and it was presented by N. Archer Moore, a Macon clinical psychologist.

Sister Robert Therese is at present involved in various and extensive fund raising activities for a new center for the Growth and Development of Exceptional Children to be located on the same grounds as the Immaculate Heart of Mary Elementary School.

A new extension is being added to the regular school facility and a special room for the new center will be constructed this summer if funds can be raised for adequate financing.

Due to the usual financial burdens being carried by all Church endeavors today, the community at large is being called on to aid and participate in the raising of the money needed for the construction of the center.

For the past five weeks a steering committee has been directing individuals and organizations in various projects directed toward the attainment of their financial goal of $15,000 for construction.

The members of the steering committee are Mrs. B.F. Clark, Neal Worrell, Frank O’Connor, Mr. and Mrs. Rex E. Ross, Marilyn Flynn, Father James Scherer and Sister Robert Therese.

It is the intention of this committee to appoint a board of trustees, whose responsibility it will be to design and adopt a charter for the center, thus making it an independently structured operation. The members of the board of trustees will likewise direct the financing and educational programming of the center.

Though the program proposed has been discussed and planned with the approval and blessing of the archdiocese, it is not an archdiocesan endeavor. The children participating in the activities of the center will be of various backgrounds, as to race, color and creed.

Geographic location and socioeconomic standing will not be determining factors for a child’s inclusion in the program; efforts are being made to provide transportation.

A local college is intensely interested in this undertaking and has promised guidance in training and selection of teachers.

“It is my sincere desire and hope that this center will take its place in the field of special education as an example and inspiration of education for all. Education suitable for each child, in relationship to his needs, within each person’s financial reach without undue sacrifice, are the images those of us involved in the planning of the center hope to reflect,” says Sister Robert Therese.

“Assured through letters of support from local authorities concerned with the care of exceptional children of the intense need for such a program, we will make every effort to meet these needs in as an extensive and comprehensive manner as possible,” she added.

Sister presented her ideas and the plans for the center, at the May 11^th meeting of IHM Parents Club. Her remarks were accompanied by the showing of the movie “Why Billy Couldn’t Learn”.