Theresa Waldroup has been at the helm of Clay County Community For Students nearly 25 years.
“We’re just about serving these children,” said Theresa Waldroup, executive director of Clay County Community For Students as she wrapped up a slide presentation depicting how the group has served our community over the past year.
Waldroup presented county commissioners her 2019-20 annual report during the board’s Sept. 3 meeting.
While the school year may have been cut short because of COVID-19, her report was evidence that services were still far reaching.
CCCFS focuses on providing support services and resources to students and families in the school system. Services range from a tutor/mentor program to buying schools supplies to purchasing winter coats for students.
The tutor/mentor program served 163 students and 11 classrooms. Regarding school supplies, both students and teachers benefited from the program. CCCFS handed out 81 complete backpacks, 36 coats, emergency clothing for on campus needs to 34 students and distributed 107 children’s books, among other deeds.
Waldroup’s presentation showed there is more to the program than providing backpacks. They helped 47 adults and 49 children who were considered in crisis situations, provided new clothing and shoes to 22 students, purchased graduation cap/gowns for five students and provided weekly food bags, along with sports scholarships, among other services.
CCCFS is overseen by a board of directors who contributed 200 hours. Community volunteers also appear to play a key role in the program’s success. The community donated 1,330 volunteer hours which Waldroup equated to a financial value of more than $33,800.
Waldroup went on to thank the commission board for their support in funding her position and on a personal note, she informed them that she will be retiring in July 20-21.
“I want to become more involved in our prayer ministry at Meadow Grove Baptist Church,” Waldroup said adding that she wants to see more of her grandchildren.
“There’s people here tonight who were with me on this journey from the very beginning,” Waldroup said as she recognized county attorney Merinda Woody, County Manager Debbie Mauney and Commissioner Clay Logan. She also thanked commissioner and former school superintendent, Scott Penland for “railroading” her into the director’s job to begin with. Waldroup had been working with Soil & Water Conservation District when she was tapped for the CCCFS position.
“I’m not here to have praise and glory. That’s not it,” Waldroup said. “This is my time to say thank you.”
Waldroup will have been director of CCCFS for 25 years in March 2021.
Next week the Progress will continue coverage of the commission meeting with a review of tax collection and the status of properties in foreclosure for delinquent taxes.