The Huntsville Item, Huntsville, TX

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March 13, 2010

Learning institute receives presidential response

By Matthew Jackson Staff Reporter

HUNTSVILLE — The Roxie Douglas Learning Institute has announced a new fundraising drive to kick off their spring semester, which began with a letter-writing campaign to President Barack Obama.

As part of the institute’s Campaign to Stay in School, the students wrote letters to the president, describing the institute and its need for funding.

Last week, after weeks of anticipation, they received a reply, complete with an autographed photo and a picture of Bo, the Obama family dog.

“The students were elated to receive their letter,” said Carmen Irving, executive director of the institute. “Out of the letters President Obama receives on a daily basis, he though enough of a little Huntsville, Texas, institute to respond to our letters.”

The institute is a non-profit organization that provides specialized after-school tutoring and TAKS preparation, as well as help with homework, with the goal of bringing students up to their grade-level proficiency in the subjects of reading and math.

The success of the institute has led to a need for a new facility to expand their educational efforts and add new programs to their curriculum, something Irving hopes to achieve through fundraising from local donors.

“We are at capacity in our present facility and in need of additional room for more students, computers, educational books and materials,” Irving.

The institute has now begun an “Adopt a Student” campaign, in which local individuals and businesses can donate on behalf of a single student.

Irving thanked the institute’s present list of donors, including Dr. Harley and Marjorie Rex, James Baine and First State Bank, Charles Brown, Mac Woodward, Dr. David Prier, Dr. Carol Parker, First Baptist Church and Greater Zion Missionary Baptist Church.

Donations can be mailed to The Roxie Douglas Learning Institute, 719 10th Street, Huntsville, TX 77320. For more information, visit the institute or call (936) 436-9220.

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