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Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Ron Clark, from classroom to ballroom
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Dancing and doing math at Ron Clark Academy. Staff photo by Hyosub Shin.
Ron Clark got top test scores from at-risk students in Harlem. The former Disney American teacher visited a dozen banks to find a loan to renovate his innovative private middle school in southeast Atlanta. At Oprah’s urging, he wrote “The Essential 55,” a book on classroom rules that became a New York Times best seller.
Clark’s next challenge takes him from classroom to ballroom.
The first major society bash to benefit the Ron Clark Academy is 6:30 p.m. March 14 at the InterContinental Hotel. Tickets to the MaxMara Runway to Education Gala start at $250 each.
Clark and his students read “The Giver.” Staff photo by Hyosub Shin.
“It’s always a challenge doing a first-time event,” said chair Melanie Boltax a local philanthropist whose parents are retired educators.
She and Clark, both native North Carolinians, met at an event benefitng the Georgia Campaign for Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention in October 2006. Boltax, a regular at swank society events around town, took a shine to the youthful Clark, who strolls atop his students’ desks while they work math problems and makes up educational raps for them.
Melanie Boltax with Ron Clark Academy fifth graders, from left, Regina Asberry, Morgan Fambro, and Krystal Morbeth. Staff photo by Hyosub Shin.
They decided to combine her expertise in high-end fundraisers, his boundless enthusiasm — and the passion they share for the kids at Ron Clark Academy — and started talking about a gala last year. Things really got cracking about three months ago.
“I’m a teacher, Kim’s a teacher, we’ve had to step out of our comfort zone,” said Clark, referring to school co-founder Kim Bearden. “It’s been a challenge for us. It’s been a great growing experience.”
Organizers hope to raise $250,000 for student scholarships. A year of study costs $14,000; parents pay what they are able to on a sliding scale.
Learning’s often lively at Ron Clark Academy. Staff photo by Hyosub Shin/
At the event, MaxMara will send its 2008 spring and summer fashions down the runway and present a four-year scholarship to an incoming fifth grader. Sponsors include Delta Air Lines, Dell, Inc. and Intel, Golden Corral, Great American Financial Resources, InterContinental Hotels Group, Promethean, Inc. and Tony Brewer & Co. WXIA’s Donna Lowry serves as emcee.
The bash features a silent auction with items like Jada Loveless and Judith Leiber handbags, seated dinner — and performance by RCA students.
Not even Boltax, whose children attend public schools in DeKalb County, knows what they’ll sing.
“It’s a surprise,” Clark said.
For info see www.runwaytoeducation.com, email walker@ronclarkacademy.com or call 678-651-2102.
Ron Clark and fifth grader Seabon Davis work a math problem. Staff photo by Hyosub Shin.
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New to town and looking to plug in
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I’ve received a couple of similar emails recently, from folks looking to plug into Atlanta’s social-civic scene. I responded to both with some suggestions but thought I’d throw it open to your thoughts as well.
Here are excerpts to give you a gist. The first is from a young woman; the second’s from a guy. I’ve removed names and other identifying info to respect their privacy. Which local organizations should these folks look into?
We were chatting today about getting involved in organizations. I am 25 years old and live with my fiance in Atlanta. I would like for the organization to have a social aspect along with some charitable aspect. I love animals, but I am not limited to this type of charity. I was considering joining Junior League of Atlanta but I am not sure if this is good for me.
I recently moved to here in late Sept and live in mid-town, I have read your column in the past and is always good. I am writing this because I do not know anyone in town. I just thought you might be able to give me some ideas on where to go to get involved in the community and mingle? I am just really having a hard time adjusting to the South and the vibe here and people.
