District 118 – U of I – Hope Center Partnership for Children Comes to Life at Special Program

A wonderful program took place Thursday afternoon, July 28th, at the Fair Oaks Hope Center; as the special partnership between District 118, the U of I, and the Hope Center was put on display by presentations from children summer camp participants.

The entire partnership is aimed at improving the social-emotional learning of children in Danville schools and throughout the community.  Various artwork and pictures were on display; with many of them explained by children in attendance, letting the audience know what they are trying to say about what their community needs.

District 118 Assistant Superintendent John Hart says the whole partnership is a “dream come true.”  And he sees it growing even more.

AUDIO:  We’ll have more interns from the University of Illinois because of this partnership.  And even some training for some of our folks that already work in Vermilion County.  So it’s just a great opportunity and a great opportunity for the kids; a very nice program.

During the program, Danville mayor Rickey Williams, Jr addressed the students; the U of I’s Dr. Kevin Tan addressed the audience about his future goals for the partnership.

Superintendent Dr. Alicia Geddis says she’s been working with the U of I since her first day on the job with District 118.  She loves the results, and she’s looking for even more.

AUDIO: We’re really grateful.  And we’re actually just sitting here talking about expanding; how we can make this grow and make it continue for years to come.

The U of I’s Dr. Kevin Tan says the greatest thing about the partnership is hearing directly from the kids.

Summer camp projects done by the children were on display during the program.

AUDIO: I think it’s really important for us to really show to the community, you know, who these kids are.  And more importantly, for them to develop a sense of community to what’s Danville.

Danville’s Mayor Rickey Williams, Jr loved the attitude he saw in the children who spoke.

AUDIO: So many of the young people expressed concern for others instead of themselves.  But what I love about this is that they are helping young people learn how to express themselves, and express their emotions in a positive way, but also to be outwardly thinking of others.  So it’s very positive for our children.

Vermilion County Housing Authority Executive Director Jaclyn Vinson summed the afternoon up by saying the partnership is a great example of the real impact committed individuals can have on the lives of children.