Aurora Students and Parents Say, "Thank You," to State Lawmakers for Supporting Education

Online, March 24, 2011 (Newswire.com) - Students of the Aurora Day School and their parents gathered together this morning at the Georgia State Capitol to thank Georgia lawmakers for their support of the Georgia Scholarship Program, also known as the Georgia Tax Credit For Education Program (HB 1133). Georgia Senate Majority Leader Chip Rogers was in attendance.

The Tax Credit Scholarship Program allows individuals and corporations to provide deserving and needy children with scholarships, while also receiving a tax credit on their Georgia income tax liability.

In response, AHEAD Foundation has generously awarded $1,000,000.00 in scholarships to the Aurora Day School, a private school for children with learning challenges. The AHEAD scholarship award will fund a series of scholarships to be announced over the year to promote Aurora Day School's increased ability to serve children with excellence through merit and need based financial assistance. Aurora Day School has gained national recognition for its uniquely demonstrated ability to deliver measurable results.

CEO Kellie Huff has made it the goal of Aurora Strategies and the Aurora Day school that one out of every five students enrolled should be full tuition scholarship students. "Thanks to generous donations from AHEAD Foundation, CIBA VISION, programs like Georgia Tax Credit Scholarships, and Georgia Special Needs Scholarships (SB10,2007/8); the 1-in-5 program is now a reality."

Bob Dalton, Head of Global Tax Global Finance for CIBA VISION, stated, "As a leader in the global eye care industry, CIBA VISION is committed to helping people worldwide achieve a better life."

Georgia State Senator, Chip Rogers, in his comments said, "The stories of success you are about to hear today prove that if we give children options, if we give children opportunities and children are placed in the right learning environment, every single child in the state can learn...and that's what the people in this building are supposed to be doing. Today we are here to champion a cause and an effort that is giving children an opportunity."

He then introduced a parent of one of the children who attends the Aurora Day School, Mr. Randy Simmons, to briefly tell his story.

"We have had a phenomenal experience [with Aurora Day School and Kellie Huff]. Our daughter is doing great. [We have seen] tremendous progress and stability that she has not had before." He went on to say, "That has made a huge difference for us."

Kellie Huff, also spoke briefly and said, "Aurora Day School was started in 2003 with the mission to accelerate learning for children with learning challenges. We routinely see 2 - 6 years of progress for our children, every single year. This law enables us to provide these opportunities for more children. So we are here to say, 'Thank you,' Senator Rogers and Representative Morgan for the opportunity to be part of a results focused education state."

Don Ashlock, director of AHEAD foundation said, "AHEAD is excited to be able to support schools such as Aurora by advancing science based development in education that does get measurable results. [This] would not be possible without corporate partners, as well as individuals that are willing to take advantage of these tax credits...to support education."

"This is not a, "D" or an, "R" issue. It is a children's issue. And for us it is about making sure that these young people...have an opportunity." Said Representative Alisha Thomas Morgan, who went on to say, "When our work here is done we want to be able to say that we stood with what was right. We stood with children. We stood with parents who wanted...the best options for their children, and I'm excited to be a part of this."

Photos are available for open distribution with credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/aurorastrategies/

Video is available on YouTube at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KLe9FwZRhKQ
About Aurora Day School

Aurora Day School accelerates learning for children with sensory, communications & language, motor, social and other learning challenges. Aurora offers new hope for families of children, grades K - 12, who have struggled to succeed in other schools. Proven, neuroscience-based strategies shed light on where and why students are struggling. Then, individualized, therapeutic instruction plans are created to strengthen - and often re-map - neural path¬ways; creating a strong foundation for higher education. Two to six years of measurable subject area and skill gains are typical in one year. Equally important, students discover successful paths to lifelong learning. (Fully accredited, Georgia Accrediting Commission).

Kellie Huff, Founder/CEO, Aurora Day School
3776 LaVista Road; Suite 200
Tucker, GA, USA 30084
404-377-8882
[email protected]

Media contact:
Bill Aragon
423-829-5839
[email protected]

About AHEAD Foundation

AHEAD Foundation, who's name is an acronym of Advancing Health, Education and Development, has a history in supporting new frontiers in education that goes back to 1927. AHEAD has a particular interest in science based technology enhancements to education of gifted students and children who can benefit from accelerated education programs. AHEAD members represent a diverse network of professionals who actively address innovations in health and education development.

Don Ashlock, Director, AHEAD Foundation
4530 McDonald Rd., Apison, TN 37302 USA
Office 770-884-1935
Cell 503-849-5150
[email protected]

About CIBA VISION

CIBA VISION believes that reaching this goal means reaching out to communities in which they live and work, volunteering their time and efforts, and investing in programs that protect, preserve and enhance eyesight. CIBA VISION is pleased to work with the Aurora Day School, the AHEAD Foundation and the State of Georgia to help ensure that children with special needs have access to high quality education and a better future."

Jen Cole, Manager, Global Communications, CIBA VISION
11460 Johns Creek Parkway
Duluth, GA 30097
678-415-4236
[email protected]

Event Photographer: Donne Ashlock: (404) 824-5051 [email protected]. www.DonneAshlock.com (Please contact Donne for all photograph requests.)