Heights recognizes Duke Energy for support of summer literacy program

Duke Energy was recently recognized for its invaluable support of the Hamilton Heights Elementary School’s (HHES) successful summer JumpStart program. (From left) Toby Etchison, HHES JumpStart Summer School Instructional Assistant; Andrea Sayers, HHES JumpStart Summer School Teacher; Michelle Day, HHES JumpStart Summer School Teacher; Dagny Zupin, Duke Energy Community Relations Liaison; and Mark LaBarr, Duke Energy Community Relations Manager. (Photo provided)

At Hamilton Heights’ Year End Recognition Program earlier this month, Duke Energy was recognized for its long-standing support of the JumpStart program at the elementary school. Duke Energy has provided a $10,000 grant for this year’s program that begins in late July.

The summer literacy program, started in 2017, is designed for Heights elementary students who can benefit from an early start with reading and social-emotional learning.

This year’s Jumpstart Program will focus on incoming first graders.  A maximum of 30 students can participate in this interactive summer Jumpstart Program that will be conducted for three hours daily for 10 days prior to the start of the school on Aug. 5.

“This program continues to make a measurable difference in helping students to be more prepared for the start of the new year,” Hamilton Heights Elementary School Principal Julie Griffey said. “We are very thankful for Duke Energy’s support of this special program designed to help students start off the new school year strong.”

“We are extremely grateful for Duke Energy’s support and commitment to our summer literacy and social-emotional efforts at the elementary school,” Heights Superintendent Dr. Derek Arrowood said. “Duke Energy has been a strong partner to Hamilton Heights through its ongoing commitment to this invaluable literacy program since its inception. The program has proved to be impactful and beneficial to the students involved.”

Representing Duke Energy at the program was Dagny Zupin, Community Relations Liaison, and Mark LaBarr, Community Relations Manager. “It is important that all HHES first graders feel ready to tackle the new school year. Duke Energy is proud to support JumpStart and Hamilton Heights’ continued commitment to quality student programs.”