Excel will host its fifth annual Celebrate Excel banquet Friday, Feb. 22 at the Multi-Purpose Building in Pittsboro.
The event will begin at 6:30 p.m. with Vardaman native Vencie Varnado serving as the keynote speaker. A 1982 graduate of Calhoun City, Varnado currently lives in Millington, Tenn. and is a JROTC instructor at Frayser High School in Memphis.
Vencie Varnado
He is a firm believer in community supported organizations that are committed to assisting with the academic success of all learners, K-12.
“It is the local community who has to fill the gap when public education is being limited due to budget cuts and a lack of parental/guardian academic support. The community is ours,” he said.
Precious Pratt Thompson will serve as honorary chair. She is a graduate of Vardaman, currently furthering her education at the University of Mississippi while being employed there. Thompson was recently elected as a member of the Calhoun County School Board.
“I am a lifelong learner and have been closely involved in the field of education for as long as I can remember,” Thompson said. “I understand the importance of a good education.”
Charlie Brown will emcee the banquet, from which all proceeds benefit After School Excel (a tutoring program for grades 1-6) and Summer Excel (a four week summer program of reading and math for grades 1-6).
The evening is part of the recently launched campaign to raise local financial support for Excel.
Tickets are $10 and available at Excel and at the door. Supporters can purchase a table of eight and invite guests.
For more information call 628-5165.