Coker College Education Students Present Check to Ruby Elementary School

Related Media

[Left to Right] Ashli Pollard, Kelley Hyatt and Mamie Sellers present a check of over $800 to the principal of Ruby Elementary School

HARTSVILLE, S.C. (05/18/2012)(readMedia)-- Coker College students Ashli Pollard, of Chesterfield, S.C., Kelley Hyatt, of Cheraw, S.C., and Mamie Sellers, of Ruby, S.C., presented a check of over $800 in support of Ruby Elementary School's library on May 8.

"These students went far and above the advocacy project requirements in freely giving of their time and energy to raise money for this library," said Professor of Education Dr. Darlene Maxwell.

The Coker College Education Department believes teachers should be involved advocates for the needs of young children and that it is important for teacher candidates to be prepared to advocate on behalf of the needs of children in their schools and classrooms. The students planned this advocacy project as part of an education course which required them to identify a need in their community, plan a project to meet that need and implement it.

To raise money for their project, Pollard, Hyatt and Sellers requested donations from local businesses. They also set up a booth at Piggly Wiggly to bring attention to and request donations for their cause. Their goal was to donate money for the specific purpose of providing the school's library with quality literature, an important resource for young learners.

"I learned that it is important for the community be involved with the school," said Hyatt. "I also learned that it is important to serve as a voice for your students."

Established in 1908, Coker College readies undergraduates for personal and professional success through a distinctive four-year program that emphasizes a practical application of the liberal arts as well as hands-on and discussion-based learning within and beyond the classroom. Coker is ranked among the "Best Colleges" in the South by U.S. News & World Report as well as The Princeton Review. Located in Hartsville, S.C., Coker is within two hours of the cultural, financial and recreational resources of Charlotte, Columbia, Charleston and Myrtle Beach.