Partners in Education recognizes partnerships

By Elizabeth Conner, - econner@ledger-enquirer.com --

Partners in Education recognized three public-private partnerships as the best in the region at an awards banquet on Tuesday.

Partnerships of the year were Harris County High School partnered with Cessna and Columbus Cottonmouths; Midland Middle School partnered with Pratt & Whitney and Sprint; and Downtown Magnet partnered with TSYS and Kiwanis Club of Greater Columbus.

Each of the partnerships received a $1,000 check.

Partners in Education provide for increased educational enrichment opportunities for students. The winners provide recognition for students achieving perfect attendance and honor roll, among other things.

Harris County High School and its partners are developing an aviation program for fall 2009. Cessna donated an airplane to be used in the aviation program.

Midland Middle School received cell phones to improve parental contact through its partners.

There are 84 individual schools and 220 partners made up of business, military, civic and church partners in the Chattahoochee, Harris, Fort Benning, Muscogee and Talbot school districts as well as with private and church affiliated schools.