Dear editor,

On Saturday, July 28, Mims Kids, Inc. held its 7th Annual Stay in School Rally at the Tift County Recreation Department. The purpose of the event was to encourage students to stay in school and to provide information about clubs and organizations that are available to students at school and in the community.

We believe that student involvement in extracurricular activities is one of the keys to their continued interest in staying in school. Motivational speeches were delivered by Tift County High School Principal Kim Siegler, TCHS Curriculum Director Mickey Weldon, TCHS Alumni Angelina Jenkins and Mar’kevious Jamal Thomas. Students were provided with school supplies, door prizes and refreshments.

The rally was a huge success thanks to the contributions of many individuals, organizations and businesses from the Tifton community.

Another important component of our efforts to keep students in school is the support of family, friends and the community.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank the following individuals, organizations and businesses that contributed to the success of the rally and solicit the support of the entire Tifton community as we spread the message that education is the key. They include: Recreation Department Director Craig Sowell and his staff, Superintendent Patrick Atwater, TCHS Principal Kim Seigler, Coach Chris Wade, Coach Julie Connor, TCHS Chief Academic Officer Mickey Weldon, Tift County High Boys’ and Girls’ Basketball Teams, Tifton Police Department, Tift County Sheriff’s Department, Georgia State Patrol, Tiftarea YMCA, United Way, Mr. Mike Beeman, Premier Driving Academy, Tiftarea Psychiatric and Counseling Services, LLC, Behavioral Health Services, Papa John’s, Little Caesar’s, Firehouse Subs, Pizza Hut, Chic-Fil-A, Subway, Longhorn’s, Captain D’s, Olive Garden, Zaxby’s, Towson Meats,  Karen Summerlin, Dr. Earl Parker, Ms. Joyce Parker, The Collier Legacy Movement, Dr. Jeff Peters, Dr. Jessica Beier, Eaton Memorials, LLC, Dr. Kimberly Works, Carroll and Kathy Coarsey, Tift Regional Medical Center, Brownlee Agency, Hedqortrs Limited, LLC, Collins, Chris and Christy Dorman, Kelley Manufacturing Company, The Ritz, Wal-Mart, Coveris, 31 North Wealth Management, LLC, Ponder-Solomon Law Group, Name Droppers, Synovus, TCHS Class of 1980, Commercial Banking Company, Ameris Bank, Duncan McCluskey, Mims Kids’ teachers and numerous volunteers who assisted on the day of the event.

Our community is blessed to have so many individuals, organizations and businesses that are willing to give of their time and resources to impact the lives of our youth.  We are grateful for your support.

Larry & Joyce Mims

MJay Hall

Mims Kids, Inc.