Two Local Schools to Receive Awards at National Youth-At-Risk Conference

Five schools nationwide will be honored as “High Flying Schools” in March during the 2009 National Youth-At-Risk Conference sponsored by Georgia Southern University.

Alfred E. Beach High School of Savannah and Screven County Middle School of Sylvania are among the honorees, along with Eagle Rock School and Professional Development Center of Estes Park, Colo.; Elizabeth Vaughan Elementary School of Woodbridge, Va.; and C.J. Hicks Elementary School of Conyers, Ga.

With at least half of their students living at or below the poverty level and with a highly diverse student body, the 2009 High-Flying Schools were chosen for their success in achieving academic success, community collaboration, citizenship development and democratic education.

Each school will be honored during an awards ceremony on March 2 at the Hyatt Regency in Savannah, which is the site of the conference. Following the awards ceremony, each school’s success story will be shared in a High Flying School Showcase.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the National Youth-At-Risk Conference sponsored by Georgia Southern University’s College of Education and Continuing Education Department. More than 1,200 attendees are expected for what has become the leading conference nationwide for professionals who deal with troubled youngsters and at-risk youth. The conference draws educators, counselors, social workers, criminal justice professionals and community leaders from around the country. For more information on registration for the conference, go to http://www.nationalyouthatrisk.com or call 912-478-5551.