In my opinion, one way to encourage others to strive for academic excellence is to reward those who have reached the milestone.

Ferriday Upper Elementary’s third and fourth graders who maintained benchmark status throughout the year on their Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills test and fifth graders who made all As and Bs were rewarded for their hard work by taking a trip to New Orleans. Trip eligibility also depended on good behavior as well as fluent reading and excellent academic status.

While there, they toured the Children’s Museum, Audubon Insectarium, The New Orleans Saints headquarters and the Riverwalk. Each stop on the itinerary provided students with new and profound experiences. Most of the attractions were a first-time visit for the majority of the students, especially the Saints headquarters. Chaperones were assigned small groups to supervise, and this allowed for more student interaction with an adult on each segment of the trip.

The support that we received from FUE’s faculty and staff, the community, individuals, businesses, churches and organizations — locally and out of town — was quite measurable. Those contributions helped to fund two charter buses, paid the entry fee to the Audubon Insectarium, provided snacks and other items. Thanks for your support.

I want to extend a heart warming thank you to Ms. Justine Cook and the Ferriday Recreation District No. 1 for their support. They heard of our efforts and readily came to our rescue. Their contribution eliminated the financial wonder and made planning a delight for myself and the other committee members — Ms. Sharon Davis and Ms. Mary Fleming. It is noteworthy to mention that this organization paid the entry fee into the Children’s Museum and for meals at McDonald’s to feed 89 students and 17 chaperones. Their belief in rewarding academic excellence was evident by their liberal donation.

Thanks for your generosity.

Other than finances, our project still gained support. Elder and Mrs. Willie Joe Ellis of Sixth Street Church of God in Christ donated neck wallets. Stephanie Lambert of Sonic Drive-In gave meal cards for our bus raffle. Walmart donated gift cards toward other purchases. The Donut Shop and Jerry’s assisted with the snacks. Students and chaperones alike were most appreciative.

Others so graciously served as volunteer chaperones — Mrs. Frances Lee, the Rev. Simeon Green III of Doty Road Church of God, Mr. Eric Wilson and Mrs. Katie Brown. Their effort and contribution did not go unnoticed.

The abundance of support made planning this adventure a delight for the other committee members — Ms. Sharon Davis and Ms. Mary Fleming — and me.

Finally, we say thank you! We appreciate your support. And we are most grateful for your generosity.

You allowed our plans for students at Ferriday Upper to become a reality. Considering all of the help we received on this project, I conclude that, not some, but many still have a heart to reward academic excellence.

We sincerely thank you.

Rosena M. Profice is a teacher at Ferriday Upper Elementary.