UNC Asheville welcomed 39 middle school students from all over Buncombe County for a reception featuring remarks by Asheville Mayor Esther Manheimer, UNC Asheville Chancellor Anne Ponder and many other dignitaries.
The reception honored the young artists whose work is showcased in the Celebrating Middle School Success exhibition in the Highsmith Art and Intercultural Gallery. The exhibition is free and open to the public and on view 9 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays through July 31.
UNC Asheville staged the exhibition and reception to highlight the Celebrating Middle School Success initiative, which is a project of the United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County. The project works to increase access to and the quality of after-school and summer programs at the middle school level, as a means of improving high school graduation rates. UNC Asheville faculty and students play active roles in the area after-school programs and in-school tutoring.
“We believe that educational partnerships between public schools, institutions of higher education and parents provides a powerful means of enhancing student achievement and cultivating a college-going culture in our region,” said Chancellor Ponder at the reception.
“The ‘middle’ is crucial,” said Pamela Baldwin, new superintendent of Asheville City Schools, addressing the assembled middle school students and families. And recognizing the role of the university and community partners, she said, “Thanks to all of you who have collaborated to support these gifted students.”
The reception and exhibition were produced by UNC Asheville’s Office of School and Community Outreach Programs and Partnerships.
(Photo by John Fletcher.)