Local leadership group raises money for new playground equipment

White County Adult Leadership 2008 class members raised $18,780 to buy new playground equipment for Mossy Creek Elementary School. From left are: Stephen Gill, Michelle Kelly, Kevin McCraney, Amanda Nix, Kristin Ellis, and on slide, Brenda Helton and Donnie Fulaski. Leadership members not pictured are: Tracy Lis, Sandra Maughon, Rodney Pugh and Josh Barrett. (Photo/Cierra Cathey)

New Mossy Creek Elementary School is featured on Page 1C

by Denise Etheridge and Cierra Cathey

White County News

The White County Adult Leadership Class of 2008 raised $18,780 to buy Mossy Creek Elementary School's new playground equipment.

Class member Michelle Kelly said that a school's Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) typically buys playground equipment, but because Mossy Creek Elementary is a new school its PTO hasn't formed yet.

The PTO can add to the playground as time goes on, Kelly added.

“We had funds left to buy a handicapped swing,” Kelly told community leaders and educators, who gathered for the playground dedication on Aug. 1.

“Habersham EMC also donated $2,500 for a defibrillator,” Kelly said.

“I'm more proud than words can express of my county, and those outside White County who donated,” said MCES Principal Roger Fitzpatrick.

The White County Adult Leadership Class is a program of the White County Chamber of Commerce designed to foster leadership skills among community leaders.

Current class members include Ninth Grade Academy Principal Stephen Gill, Josh Barrett of Barrett Funeral Home, Amanda Nix of Community Bank & Trust, Brenda Helton of Helton Accounting and Tax Service, Donnie Filaski of Habersham Bank, Kevin McCraney of Georgia Power, Kristen Ellis of United Community Bank, Michelle Kelly of Mountain Valley Community Bank, Rodney Pugh of Habersham EMC, Sandra Maughon of North Georgia Technical College and Tracy Lis of Georgia Country Realty.

“I am very proud of this Leadership class,” said White County Chamber of Commerce president Judy Walker.

Organizations and businesses that donated money or services to the new playground include Boy Scout Troop #689, Community Bank & Trust, Georgia Power Company, Georgia Power Sports and Equipment, Habersham EMC, High Country Signs, Jeff Hunt, Kiwanis Club of Cleveland, Optimist Club of White County, White County Board of Education, Robertson, Loia, Roof, P.C., the Bentley Group Printing & More, the Wiles Family, White County Rotary Club, White County School System and Hood and Hood Inc.

“From the bottom of my heart I say thank you for benefiting the children who will be attending this [MCES] school,” Fitzpatrick said.