Throughout the year, the Council of Community Organizations of Oktibbeha County implements and completes a variety of not-for-profit tasks and events for individuals in and around Oktibbeha County.
One of the most rewarding is the Academic Booster Club Tutoring Program that is held every third Saturday of each month.
At the completion of each academic year, the students are rewarded for their hard work by participating in an Academic Enrichment Trip. This year, the 32 students and chaperones from COCO, along with several members of 100 Black Men of Columbus-GT Inc. and their protégé”s boarded a train from Meridian to Union Station in Washington, D.C.
The students boarded the train in Meridian. “It is extremely important for children to be able to experience all that is available to them,” coordinator Peggy J. Rogers said. “This world offers so many opportunities and educational experiences, I feel obligated to help students discover and participate in as many as possible.”
“I will have lots to talk about once I return to school in the fall,” Destiny Carr said.
All of the students had conference bags donated to carry their notepads and pencils.
The students arrived in Washington, D.C., on June 16 and walked directly to the U.S. Capitol, where they visited the many important buildings, as well as met with Reps. Travis Childers and Bennie Thompson.
During the visit to the Capitol Building, the students were able to observe the gallery of the House of Representatives chambers while the body was in session. One student was taken to the House floor and cast votes for Rep. John A. Bouienni of Ohio.
In addition to receiving autographs from Mississippi congressmen, autographs were received from Congressman John Lewis, Jessie Jackson Jr. and many more. Dr. John Robinson, who chaperoned, stated that this is a wonderful opportunity for the student experiences at the U.S. Capitol.
RaHeem Clemmons, a senior at Columbus High School, said he loves history and could not wait to return to school and share the experiences with his teacher.
Chaperone Dennis Erby stated that this is a memorable and valuable trip for everyone.
The students also visited the White House Center, Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument. Students were amazed at the reflection pond between the Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial. Many ducks were swimming and walking around the pond.
Members as young as 5 and as old as 18 were awed and inspired as they visited the many memorials of Washington, D.C.
“The COCO Center board members would like to thank everyone that made this trip a successful inspirational learning experience for our students,” Rogers said.
To become a member of COCO, contact Rogers at (662) 312-2484, [email protected] or visit the web at www.cococenter.com.
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