Local Church Sponsors Summer Academic Program

By The Dunn Daily Record

FOUR OAKS – Smith Chapel Original Free Will Baptist Church in the Four Oaks community is working to make a difference in the lives of students. The church sponsored a summer academic program designed to help students become more efficient in reading and math. It was offered to students at no cost.

Pastor Fred Clarida Sr., a retired educator and administrator in the Harnett County School system, served as the program supervisor. He said this was a dream come true for the church.

“It is our desire to be a blessing to our community in every possible way,” said Clarida. “We are blessed to have a new building that was specifically built as an outreach tool within the community.

“The program only lasted for two weeks this summer and the focus was on helping students improve in their math and reading skills. The program had 25 students ranging from grades pre-kindergarten through seventh grade.”

The pastor said the church is blessed to have several certified teachers and experienced teacher assistants.

“We are also thankful to have a teacher from Four Oaks Middle School to join our staff,” he said.

Students were served breakfast, snacks and lunch. The teachers have indicated they have seen significant growth in their students over the past two weeks. The program was structured and designed to ensure that students learned and had fun in the process.

“We experienced great success and are extremely thankful to all the parents and guardians for allowing their children to attend,” said Clarida. “The meals were prepared by our dynamic kitchen committee. We also want to thank Ray Womble Jr. of Wombles & Sons in Lillington for the generous donation to the summer program.”

The plans are to offer a month-long program next summer rather than two weeks.

“It is expensive to offer this type of program, but we are committed to making a difference in the lives of our students and we believe that this program will help our students to develop the skills needed to be confident in their ability to learn,” said Clarida.

Clarida expressed thanks to the teachers and volunteers. Teachers included Kristina Clarida, Cassandra Williams, Felicia Batts, Dora Clarida, Hallie Johnson and Kayln Thompson. Volunteers were Kitchen Director Edna Raynor and Laticia Wallace. Student volunteers were Abryonna Daniels, Emma Johnson and Karissma Eatmon.

“But most of all, we want to thank God for blessing us to be a blessing to our children,” he said. “The program does not discriminate and all students are welcomed to attend.”