Middle Georgia College Faculty and Students Donate Time By Reading

It may seem like a simple idea to read a book to kids, but according to Middle Georgia College, it’s making all the difference in the world to the younger generation.

President of Middle Georgia College, Dr. Michael Stoy, says getting representatives of the college in the community is more than just creating a name for themselves.

“They (the kids) all know we’re employees of Middle Georgia College. They all think in terms of, ‘I’m going to go to college same day.'”

The student and faculty volunteers are taking time from their busy life of college, by spending at least one half hour every week in Bleckley County schools, reading to the children.

Lisa Shaw says, it’s the kids’ reaction to her walking in the door she enjoys the most.

 “Just to see the excitement on their face. They’re always excited about picking out a book,” Shaw says.

Shaun Haggerty is one of the men’s basketball coaches at Middle Georgia College. He says he noticed how stepping in and being a part of the kids lives can change how they live their life.

“If you want people to be raised right, you have to get them early. The more I can get in there and help my community…it takes a village to raise a child. If I can be a part of this little village, that helps Cochran raise good children. That’s what I’d like to do,” Haggerty says.

Middle Georgia College also earned national recognition by the CUPA-HR (College and University Professional Association for Human Resources) with their volunteer program. They beat out 32 other college and universitites, and won $10,000 for their scholarship fund.