Stone Mountain, GA — The media center at Rowland Elementary School is getting a makeover.

The school was one of eight grant recipients of the 2021 Georgia United Foundation School Crasher program, a press release said.

School Crashers is the Foundation’s largest community service program that offers schools across the state an opportunity to apply for a school facility makeover. The program strengthens communities by supporting local school systems with the end goal of improving the learning environment for the students, faculty and staff.

The School Crashers and Mohawk Carpet grants will help improve the media center at Rowland with updated flooring, paint and comfortable, flexible seating. The media center will become the hub of the school as it is transformed into a warm, colorful and inviting space for the students to grow their love of reading.

Rowland principal Vanessa Jones said everyone is thrilled that Rowland was chosen to receive the School Crashers and Mohawk Carpet grants.

“I feel that this makeover will impact our students in a very positive way. This makeover will create an inviting space that is centered around the students with a reading nook, comfortable seating, and artwork to inspire students to read and let their imaginations soar,” Jones said. “I am very proud of Ms. [Cassandra] Aina, our media specialist, for wanting the best for our boys and girls and nominating Rowland for this makeover.”

The School Crashers nomination period opened in March to all accredited K-12 schools in Georgia. Interested schools were asked to include a photograph along with a 250-word essay describing why their school should receive a makeover. Nominations were received from 36 school systems and after a rigorous judging process, eight schools have been slated to receive school improvements over the summer.

“We are looking forward to serving our communities and strengthening our school systems through the eighth annual School Crashers program,” shared Debbie Smith, president and CEO of Georgia United Credit Union. “The Georgia United Foundation, credit union team members, generous donors, community partners and volunteers make this a collaborative community service event, where we provide inspiring learning spaces for the students, faculty and staff. We want the students to have an increased pride in their school and be motivated to learn when they return in the fall.”

To learn more about the School Crashers program, visit www.gucufoundation.org/school-crashers.

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