Print Issue: December 12, 2002

Marist Enrichment Program Seeks Sixth-Grade Applicants

By Priscilla Greear, Staff Writer

ATLANTA - The Reach for Excellence academic enrichment program at Marist School for middle school students across North Georgia is seeking sixth-graders to apply in January for its new class which begins this June.

The program is designed to enrich the education students already receive at their public, private and parochial schools. Reach will accept 25 students who will start June 16 as rising seventh- graders, who will join in with the other 50 returning students who will be entering eighth and ninth grades. Applications for the program will be available on Jan. 6 and are due by Feb. 15. The process also involves interviews with students and their parents.

Interested students and their parents must be willing to make a commitment to the entire program, which runs for three years and involves a six-week summer session each year and Saturday instruction every other week during the academic year. The program seeks students who are talented and motivated, although not necessarily straight-A students, and whose opportunities have been limited due to economic constraints. It welcomes diversity. "The term we usually use is 'umph.' We're looking for students who are looking to get more out of life and if given the opportunity will take it," said project manager Patrick Boulafentis. "It's a fantastic program."

The tuition-free program, which utilizes Marist resources and is located at the school, began in summer 2001. Through the mix of academic classes and cultural and enrichment activities, the program's ultimate goal is to transform young peoples' lives through education and exposure to different experiences, and thereby prepare them to succeed in academically challenging high schools, in college and in life. It builds a community of "determined learners and future leaders."

Combining academic and exploratory courses, classes are offered in math, language arts, environmental science, public speaking, art, music and computer, and field trips and guest speakers are integral parts of the program. The Saturday sessions also provide support with students' homework from school, and classes this year include "Reach for Your Future," addressing college preparation, and another called "Expressing Yourself," involving creative writing and reading. Service projects this year include visiting seniors at a Buckhead retirement community and volunteering with the Atlanta Community Food Bank. The program now has a student journalism team that reports on Reach's activities and projects. Summer session classes have included religions of the world, issues and ideas, environmental justice, and applications of classical philosophy. Boulafentis said the program expands youths' horizons. "There's a lot of challenge by choice where they need to push their own boundaries. We're going to give them the opportunity to talk to someone they normally wouldn't talk to, to write poetry . . . The kids are stepping up, they're maturing," he said. "It gives kids a leg up, if we can, in whatever way that means, whether through academic enrichment or being a positive role model."

Boulafentis said studies have shown that middle school years are important for students in terms of developing good study habits to maintain in high school. "We're trying to get them through these crunch years of sixth, seventh and eighth grades," he said.

Eighth-grade participant Anthony Roye is grateful for this life-changing experience. "If I did not attend Reach, I would not be as courteous, mature and responsible as I am today," he said. "The Reach for Excellence program has taught me to always believe in myself. If given a choice I would not change anything about it. I come each day because it is fun to learn."

For information or to give the name of a student who might be interested in the program, call Boulafentis at (770) 936-6483 or write Reach@marist.com or to recommend a student online write ReachforExcellence.org. teachers interested in working in the summer session are encouraged to inquire about job opportunities.