Breakfasts and BBQs have been held at some of the Stay-in-School and Rotary Tom Jackson Stay in School partner schools, and staff, students and their families and extended families have attended these events. Here are some thank you cards recently received by the Club. A big thank you to Bruce Williams, Director Community Service and Michelle DeCecco-Zuk, Director Youth Services for organizing the event and volunteers.
While Alberta high school completion rates are on the rise, it was not that long ago that Alberta had one of the highest high school drop-out rates in the country. The Rotary Club of Calgary Stay-in-School Program was created in 1996 and pairs students in Grade 6 who have been identified as being "at risk" with mentors who, along with the student's guardians, encourage their academic success, and work with them through to the end of Grade 12. Similarly, there was a need in the community to have a program focused on Aboriginal youth, and the Rotary Tom Jackson Stay-in-School Program was created.