Lemerand Center of Excellence opens for local students.

Written by Kristen Schmutz

Belden Communications News

On Monday, Food Brings Hope, Daytona State College, and Volusia County Schools unveiled the Lemerand Center of Excellence, an after-school enrichment opportunity for up to 70 students and their families who attend two designated Title 1 schools, Palm Terrace, and Turie T. Small elementary schools.

“It is not just about the kids. It is about the community and doing the right thing. You parents, you are doing the right thing by ensuring that your children are here every day and supporting their work,” Superintendent Dr. Carmen Balgobin told attendees. “This spark that we have ignited here will last forever.”

The program, which takes place at Daytona State College, provides students with hands-on opportunities to support and enrich their learning. According to Volusia County Schools, transportation to Daytona State College is provided, and students will receive snacks and dinner.

The Lemerand Center of Excellence program, funded by a $500,000 contribution from philanthropist L. Gale Lemerand, boosts academic achievement by bringing innovative tutoring and educational enrichment opportunities to students. In addition to encouraging prosperity for students and their families, the program supports a child's discovery of their full potential for educational, social, and economic growth.

“You are making a difference in the lives of these children. You are helping to lay a strong foundation for them so they can learn and grow,” Board Chair Jamie Haynes added. “Ultimately, what we want is we want them to grow up and come back and be productive citizens.”

The Lemerand Center of Excellence was also made possible with the help of VCS Community Involvement Specialist Dr. LaSherica Jefferies and FBH Program Director Mary Cortez.

“We are honored to be a partner in this program, and the fact that we have students that live right in our backyard come to this campus and see what it is like to be on a college campus,” DSC President Dr. Tom LoBasso said. “We hope you become Falcons someday, but if not, we know if not you are going to go on to do better, bigger things somewhere else.”