PUBLIC VIEWPOINT: Children Festival A Hit

NORTHWEST ARKANSAS — Thank you, thank you, and thank you! This is the only thing that I seemed to be saying during the fifth annual Celebration of Children Festival on Oct. 3. It was gratifying to see so many people at the event.

Even during the economic “slump” that has hit Northwest Arkansas, we still saw many people donating money, products and time for this worthwhile cause. The community has continued to show the Rogers Public Education Foundation that this event has a terrific following and can be enjoyed by all ages.

For the children, we had around 50 booths with games and activities, which included a “birds of prey” exhibit from the Little Rock Zoo, sponsored by the PTOs of Garfield Elementary, Frank Tillery Elementary, Lingle Middle School, Oakdale MiddleSchool and Rogers Heritage High School. The afternoon also included an exhibit of the talent of our high schools, which performed on stage and displayed their artwork in our art festival. We also had special visits from Strike of the Northwest Arkansas Naturals, the RHS Mountie and the RHHS War Eagle.

It is heartwarming to be part of an event that touches so many in such a positive way. The afternoon became a time when families could enjoy themselves together while helping to advance our school district’s educational programs. One of the biggest high points for me was the 100-plus volunteers who gave their time to make this happen. Most of these volunteers were students from Rogers High School and Rogers Heritage High School. In a time when headlinesscream of the problems with today’s youth, Rogers should take pride in knowing that our students are the exception and not the rule.

The foundation board would like to thank those who participated this year. It is only through the persistent, combined efforts of our community that we will be able to continue to develop programs and curriculum to help all children in our district learn and succeed not only in school, but also in life.

Thank you all for your support and confidence that we can make a difference.

PAULA WILSON / Rogers

THE WRITER IS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE ROGERS PUBLIC EDUCATION FOUNDATION.