CLARKESVILLE, Ga. — Habersham County Schools is expanding opportunities for students to develop leadership skills through a new partnership with Chick-fil-A and other local organizations.
Superintendent Patrick Franklin highlighted the new Chick-fil-A Leadership Academy during his report to the Habersham County Board of Education on Sept. 14.
The program was established at Habersham Central High School for students who serve in leadership positions in clubs and other school organizations.
Franklin said the idea developed during a school tour involving Chick-fil-A owner-operator Chris Wright and Alex Robinson, who helped introduce the program to the school system.
The academy held its first meeting within the past several weeks, Franklin said. Students will participate in module-based learning focused on leadership throughout the school year.
Franklin said the program is another example of community partnerships designed to help prepare students for their futures.
The effort also involved Partnership Habersham and Patrick Ledford with the county’s economic development efforts.
“Lots of folks put in the time to help build new careers in our county, and that’s what good partnerships do,” Franklin said.
Students taking leadership roles
Franklin also highlighted student leadership efforts already taking place throughout the school system.
He attended student council speeches at Fairview Elementary School, where about 50 people watched fifth-grade students make campaign speeches as they sought leadership positions.
“I thought I’ve been doing this a lot of years. Some of them better now,” Franklin said.
He also pointed to student leaders participating in athletics and fine arts, including Habersham Central’s Band of Blue.
Franklin praised the band for completing its show early in the football season and encouraged community members to attend its performance at the fair.
He also highlighted a moment involving Habersham Central quarterback Parris Wilbanks, who scored a touchdown during the team’s game against Stephens County and then ran to Coach Cunningham for a hug.
Franklin said the moment demonstrated the relationships between students and the adults who mentor them.
Raider Market sees success
Franklin also updated the board on the Raider Market, a free food pantry established at Habersham Central through a partnership between Family Connections and the school.
Students can access food and drinks as needed, Franklin said.
He credited Family Connections Director Mercedes Ledford Weaver and school officials for establishing the program and said it has been a “huge success.”
Franklin said the district will explore expanding the program to additional locations.
Student-led community events
Franklin highlighted two recent student-led events honoring members of the community.
At Clarkesville Elementary School, students participated in a “Heroes Among Us” event commemorating Sept. 11.
The following day, Fairview Elementary held a “Hometown Heroes” event honoring first responders and law enforcement officers. Franklin said about 50 people were recognized at the event.
Franklin praised students and staff for organizing both events.
Attendance remains a priority
Franklin also recognized schools with the highest student and staff attendance rates during the previous month.
Among elementary schools, Hazel Grove Elementary had the highest student attendance at 98.07%, followed by Baldwin Elementary at 97.4% and Level Grove Elementary at 96.5%.
At the secondary level, Wilbanks Middle School led with 97.1%, followed by the Ninth Grade Academy at 96.3% and South Habersham Middle School at 96.2%.
Elementary staff attendance leaders were Clarkesville Elementary at 98.8%, Fairview Elementary at 98.4% and Demorest Elementary at 98.3%.
Among secondary schools, Success Academy led staff attendance at 99.7%, followed by North Habersham Middle School at 98.7% and Wilbanks Middle School at 98.4%.
Franklin has repeatedly identified attendance as a major priority for both students and employees.
“If you’re not there, you can’t learn,” he told the board.
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