Charlotte, N.C., April 12, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- WINGS for kids, an afterschool program focused on social and emotional learning, or SEL, is proud to announce the winners of its inaugural SOAR Awards, to be presented at a luncheon on May 4. The awards celebrate local heroes who advocate for equity in education, quality out-of-school time activities, and resources to support underserved and vulnerable communities.
The inaugural SOAR Award winners are:
- The Honorable Jennifer Roberts, Mayor, City of Charlotte
- Debra Plousha Moore, Systems Chief of Staff and Executive Vice President, Carolinas HealthCare System
- Jay Everette, Senior Vice President, Community Affairs, Wells Fargo
- Richard “Stick” Williams, Retired President, Duke Energy Foundation
“WINGS is proud to honor these individuals and their tireless work for those who often remain voiceless—the children in our community,” said Ben Brandon, chair of the WINGS Charlotte Advisory Board. “As agents of change in Charlotte, our awardees lead the initiatives that are transforming our community and addressing the challenges that our young people face every day.”
The awardees help to lead several well-known education and community initiatives throughout Charlotte, including the Opportunity Task Force, Project LIFT, and ONE Charlotte.
“The SOAR Awards serve as our opportunity to honor the incredible leadership and vision of Charlotte’s dedicated advocates who fearlessly champion for the children and families who most need our support,” said Annie Burton, Charlotte executive director of WINGS. “These leaders truly are models of the empathy, respect, and sense of value we instill in WINGS kids every day.”
WINGS for kids provides low-income youth in grades K-5 the opportunities to develop the social and emotional skills they need to succeed in school and in life in a safe, engaging environment after the school day ends. Last year, WINGS doubled its footprint in Charlotte and now serves 300 students in two elementary schools in the city—thanks in large part to the support of the awardees.
“It’s imperative to have free programs in Charlotte, like WINGS, that make a transformational impact on youth and, equally, serve as an incredible asset to parents,” said Richard “Stick” Williams, one of the awardees. “Accepting the inaugural WINGS Charlotte SOAR Award is very meaningful to me because their mission is making a difference in the lives of people who grew up like me.”
For more information about the SOAR Awards or to attend the luncheon, which will feature a keynote address by Dr. Henry Louis Gates, Jr., please click here.
About WINGS for kids
WINGS for kids is a nonprofit education program that teaches kids how to behave well, make good decisions and build healthy relationships. The program weaves a comprehensive social and emotional learning curriculum into a fresh and fun afterschool program—specifically targeted toward supporting low-income, minority students. Kids get the life lessons they need to succeed and be happy, and a safe place to call home after the school day ends.
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A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/5416b52f-02bb-47f4-bebf-51166eb5c2bf