Communities In Schools of Atlanta enlists support of local radio stations to inspire and encourage Atlanta students

V-103 FM and WAOK 1380 AM school tour promotes student achievement

ATLANTA (October 11, 2007) – “I AM confident! I AM a genius BEYOND description!” declared King Middle School students as they repeated the inspirational words of WAOK 1380 AM radio talk show host Lorraine Jacques White during Wednesday’s “Reading Across the Curriculum 25 Book Campaign” kick-off event.

Lorraine was joined by V-103 radio personality “Bubby” Love who told students, “Whether you are playing football or applying for a job, you have to know how to read. Reading is important for everything you do in life.”

King Middle School students earned V-103 and WAOK shirts, mouse pads, and backpacks and books donated by Communities In Schools (CIS) of Atlanta for sharing their favorite books and ideas on the importance of reading during the school-wide event.

King Middle School is one of 11 schools being visited by V-103 and WAOK 1380 radio personalities during an October and November school tour. The tour, organized by CIS of Atlanta, is designed to get kids excited about learning and achieving. WAOK 1380 AM, known as “The Voice of the Community,” has partnered with CIS of Atlanta for annual school supply and holiday toy drives for the past three years. Atlanta favorite V-103 FM is the sister station to WAOK and, a new partner to CIS of Atlanta.

On Thursday, V-103 personality Porsche Foxx visited Tull Waters Elementary School students, recognizing 26 Student of the Month honorees. Porsche encouraged students to respect themselves to ensure that others respect them as well. “Respect is a critical part of your continued success,” she told the captive audience. Tull Waters students were featured on V-103’s “Frank and Wanda Morning Show” during Porsche Foxx’s visit when they sang “Happy Birthday” to radio host Wanda Smith live from Porsche’s mobile phone.

 “Many of our young people dream of being a part of the radio and music industries. It is wonderful for them to meet the individuals behind their favorite radio stations. Children take notice when the people they admire encourage them to do well in school, respect themselves and strive for success. We appreciate V-103 and WAOK and are happy to bring this partnership to our schools,” said CIS of Atlanta Partnerships Manager Andrea Hill.

Since 1972, CIS of Atlanta has been connecting community resources with schools to help students successfully learn, stay in school and prepare for life. Through its’ partnerships with Atlanta Public Schools, Project GRAD and DeKalb County Schools, CIS of Atlanta is serving 65 schools and 33,000 students and their families during the 2007-08 school year. Last year, CIS of Atlanta partnered with 411 organizations and businesses, bringing more than $3.4 million worth of volunteer hours, donated professional services, in kind donations and cash grants to its’ partner schools.

To learn more about Communities In Schools of Atlanta, visit www.cisatlanta.org