Program Helps Students Build Confidence, Prepare For College

ROSWELL, GA — At Centennial High School, collaboration and student achievement are more than check marks on the Fulton County School System 2022 Strategic Plan. They are a critical part of a student’s everyday life, and for 27 students in particular, community collaboration takes the form of a mentoring group.

The Centennial High Ladies of Purposeful, Open-minded, Worthy, Excellent, Resilient (POWER) are high school students who may benefit from additional academic, social or behavioral support. The program, established in December 2017, seeks to offer life skills and experiences that will serve them after they graduate from Centennial High.

Led by Assistant Principal Nikkole Flowers, students — assigned by grade level — meet with staff mentors twice a month to discuss topics such as preparing for college, building self-esteem and dealing with conflict.

Students also gather for team-building sessions where they are introduced to activities to which they may not otherwise be exposed, including Zumba classes, photography and golf lessons – all from members of the community who donate their skills and time. Additionally, guest speakers are invited to offer inspiration and motivation.

“Our staff understands that our work often extends beyond our instructional time with our students,” said Flowers, noting that school leaders welcome opportunities to engage and partner with the community in support of Centennial High students. “This is an extraordinary opportunity to focus on skills and activities that will help them later in their lives. One of our goals is to provide them with information and experiences that will prepare them to make the best decisions for their futures.”

The program celebrate its one-year anniversary next month with its first cohort of students. For additional information on how you can support the program, you can email the assistant principal at FlowersN@fultonschools.org.

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Image via Fulton County Schools