June 2, 2012 marked the
finish line for our HIPPY families that have completed 30 weeks of curriculum
with their children. For some of our families we are well aware that the finish
line just seemed so far away. Some changed jobs and had to undergo schedule
changes for their home visits while there were others that had new additions to
their families and lost loved ones during the 30 weeks, along with other family
crisises. We gathered together as family and friends and shared in this great
accomplishment. We had 60 children to complete the program and as their reward
we had a nice program where we presented them with certificates, a meal and
then they were able to run through the obstacle course and take rides on the
train. The children had a blast and the parents enjoyed seeing their children
happy. Thanks to some of the local businesses we were able to give out some
gift cards and gift certificates to Wal-Mart, Willy T’s, El Jalisco, River City
Grill/Bar B Que, Cajun Corner, and Phil’s Bar B Que. This was a great treat for
the parents that had their names drawn. The total count for children, parents
and guests was 197 in attendance. We are also pleased to announce that we had 9
children to complete two or more years of the program to graduate completely out.
This shows great dedication.
One really great highlight
was that we had a special guest to present to two of our little girls. We had
Private First Class Stephen Smith that had just gotten back from his five week
tour in Korea to present to his nieces Kayla and Alyssa Smith. We hid him
behind the curtains on the stage until he was announced and the girls loved it.
Kayla and Alyssa had no idea he was coming let alone that he was even there. We
were able to publically thank him for his service to our country and for
helping to keep us safe. Twenty-five year old PFC Smith, from Bakerhill and
graduate from Dixie Academy, joined the army 15 months ago and is stationed in
Hawaii. Since joining the army, he has only seen his nieces twice.
Other news on the program
comes from my trip to Montgomery on May 24th for a HIPPY Heros Luncheon. At
that meeting our program was presented with 10 awards: Most Improved Program,
The Accreditaion Award, The ETO Extrodinary Efforts Award, The PR Award, The
Big Idea Award, The Remarkable Attendance and Innovative Group Meeting Award,
The Community Collaboration Award, The Active and Involved Advisory Board
Award, Going the Extra Mile Award, and the INOW Award. While there we were
pleased to hear from a little six year old girl that has been through the
program. She spoke to us and read her speech as if she were very much older.
She did an extrodinary job and she is also an illustrator for a book that the
state office has called HIPPY P, HIPPY P. Then we were blessed to hear an elementary
school choir sing to us. There were superintendents and some of our state
representatives present. Some were even named HIPPY Hero of the year. The state
leaders were brought to the front to the tune of the Lone Ranger and were given
white ten gallon hats to wear. I believe it was Jay Love and Tripp Pittman but
I do not have my book with me right now.
Our program has come so far
in less than a year and we have bigger goals ahead. We want to continue this
forward trek that we are on and continue to grow. We thank all that have
supported us along the way.
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