As students enter their first full week of school, business partners in education have been donating generously to students and teachers throughout the county.

Earlier this week, KIA of LaGrange dropped off backpacks and school supplies at Berta Weathersbee Elementary. This is the third consecutive year the automotive dealer has provided back to school items for students. This year, they partnered with Troup Baptist Association in supplying Berta students and faculty with books, notepads, paper, pencils, dry erasers, and other supplies that can be used throughout the school year. In addition, Troup Baptist purchased over 300 Kits 4 Kids so each student can have a grade-level book and school starter kit.

Fourth graders from Andre Carter’s class gladly helped Shaun Mitchell, Senior Sales Associate at KIA of LaGrange and Jeanette Brown, Executive Assistant at KIA of LaGrange pull supply items from the truck. With excitement, they thanked them for supporting Berta.

Mitchell stated, “As a community, we feel like education is power. Knowledge is power. For students to have the supplies and things they need in place for them to grow, learn, and become educated is powerful. As long as they have what’s needed in the classroom and teachers don’t have to spend their money on those things, it makes for a greater educational environment.”

Mr. Willie Cooks, Principal of Berta Weathersbee said he is grateful to have business partners that work together and supply various needs of the students at BWES. He stated the overflow of book bags and other items will be stored and used as students need to replenish supplies. “Elementary students can lose pencils, crayons, and even notebooks. We don’t want them to lose any learning opportunities so we will keep the supplies to give to those students who may need them later in the school year,” said Cooks.