District Newsroom

Lemerand Center of Excellence celebrates first year in operation

DELAND – The power of partnering for good was on full display Wednesday evening as community leaders and elementary school students and their families gathered to celebrate the Lemerand Center of Excellence’s first year.

“Education is the most powerful tool that you can provide to any child, and the best gift every single parent can provide to any child is the opportunity for them to obtain a world-class education,” Volusia County Schools Superintendent Dr. Carmen Balgobin told event attendees.

The Lemerand Center of Excellence, located on Daytona State College’s campus, is an after-school enrichment program for up to 70 students who attend Palm Terrace and Turie T. Small elementary schools, both designated Title 1 schools.

The center, funded through a $500,000 contribution by philanthropist L. Gale Lemerand, is a joint effort of Food Brings Hope, Daytona State College and Volusia County Schools. Students are provided with transportation, classroom space at DSC, supplemental instruction, snacks and dinner.

In addition to increasing the students’ academic achievement through innovative tutoring and enrichment opportunities, the program encourages prosperity for students and their families and supports the discovery of their full potential for educational, social and economic growth.

Balgobin commended FBH Community Founder and Chair Forough B. Hosseini on her passion for public education and supporting students and their families.

“When you work with the entire family, anything and everything is possible; that's when you create hope and a new future,” Balgobin said.

She also recognized Lemerand for his impact in the community.

“There are some people that live for themselves, and they create a limited world, and there are other people that they live for others, and they create a limitless world,” Balgobin said of Lemerand.

The philanthropist said it’s important to support and invest in children early on.

“What the program has accomplished, what everybody involved with the program has accomplished in one year is phenomenal, and I just love the way the program is growing,” Lemerand said.

Students say LCE has benefitted them in multiple ways

Attendees of the celebration, which was held at The Mori Hosseini Center, heard from three of the students participating in the program.

Each student said their grades have improved, and they have a greater understanding of the subjects they are studying.

“I am now performing at a higher level in reading and other subjects, which makes me feel proud and motivated to continue pushing myself,” said Maachaiah Brown, a 4^th grader at Palm Terrace.

Ashton Maddox, a 4^th grader at Turie T. Small, said he enjoys the unique experience of being on a college campus.

“I can honestly say that my first year at LCE has what I like to call focused fun,” Ashton said. “While we take our studies seriously, the way we learn makes it exciting and interactive.”

He said one of the highlights has been sharing the experience with his younger brother.

“It’s encouraging to know we’re both on this journey together, growing as students and supporting each other along the way,” Ashton said.

Palm Terrace 5^th grader Kadell Hines said the center has changed his life socially, academically and mentally, and he loves the free educational field trips.

“These adventures let us explore new places and learn about things we have never experienced before,” Kadell said.

Each student said the LCE and FBH have helped them beyond academics.

“Being a part of the LCE has also boosted my self-esteem and provided a safe space for me to express my beliefs and ideas,” Maachaiah said.

She also said she was thankful FBH provided her family with food after they were affected by Hurricane Milton.

“This act of kindness demonstrated that Food Brings Hope truly cares about families in our community and is always there to support us in difficult times,” Maachaiah said.

Hosseini said the event was a wonderful night of recognizing and celebrating the center’s first students and welcoming the new ones.

“It really is the best thing that we can do to invest in them now,” Hosseini said. “Invest wisely, make sure that they get the best education in a loving, friendly, helpful environment and be able to provide all the necessities of life so that they can concentrate on learning.”

For more information on the Lemerand Center, visit facebook.com/FBHCommunity.

 

 

Volusia County Schools’ vision is to create life-long learners prepared for an ever-changing global society. The VCS Strategic Plan: https://www.vcsedu.org/strategic-plan

 

Sarah Lux MA, MPIO, PIO3-AH  
Public Information Officer  
Community Information Services

Volusia County Schools 386-734-7190, ext. 20227  
SMLux@volusia.k12.fl.us