On March 2, at 6 p.m. the Cumberland County Public Schools Foundation, Inc. will sponsor a Gospel Celebration at the Cumberland High School Cafetorium with the proceeds used to fund scholarships for students of Cumberland County.

Since its beginning in 2002, the Cumberland County Public Schools Foundation, Inc. has given $132,500 in scholarships and $70,974 in teacher grants. Much of the money distributed comes from private donations and fundraisers such as the annual Walk for Education, Praise Celebration and the new Foundation/Centra 5K run for scholarships.

One of the featured groups in the program is the Southside Community Gospel Choir. The choir has its roots in the 2010-2012 gospel music workshops hosted by Race Street Baptist Church. The workshops averaged 100 people participating. Some of the members of this workshop joined with members of Race Street's choir and formed The Southside Community Choir. This choir is composed of 34 members and sings regularly at Race Street's 8 a.m. service each 4th Sunday. Brother James Carrington is musician and director of this choir.

In addition to the Southside Community Choir, the program will include the Baptist Union Baptist Church Mass Choir, Sharon Baptist Church Anointed Voices of Praise, Sharon Baptist Church Youth Ministry TGIF Praise Dancers, Curtis and Katrina Blankenship and Family, Bethlehem Baptist Church Choir, Thirty Plus Praise Dancers, Lauretta G. Jones-Yates, and a special appearance by Charlie the Church Mouse. Donations to our non-profit organization are tax deductible and will be appreciated.

The Foundation provides not only assistance for four-year colleges and universities, but for certification programs such as automotive technician and Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). The grants are awarded to teachers in K-12 and are used to fund innovative learning opportunities that focus on academic or college/vocational prep that may not be funded in this time of budget shortfall.

“When children do not have adequate funds for higher education opportunities, there is a ripple effect” says Jeff Scales, principal of Cumberland High School. “As the job market is tighter, people competing for jobs are expected to have post-secondary credentials. We want the students who graduate from Cumberland High School to be able to compete on all levels. The Cumberland Public Schools Foundation provides assistance to students who may not get that chance. This is not just an event for high school parents but the entire community. We hope that all parents, extended families, church groups, and community leaders will attend and show their support for life-long learning in Cumberland County.”

Though the economy is tough, Scales says he hopes a large crowd will show up for the event. “It's hard to sing to an empty seat – and the folks that are going to participate have worked hard to ensure a quality event.” Donations to the non-profit organization are tax deductible and will be appreciated.