While Thorn Hill May Change, Commitment To Community Education Remains The Same August 20 Spellapalooza Planned To Help Raise Money For Center

Special to Capital Living

If there is one constant about the Thorn Hill Education Center, it's this: No matter what changes take place on the outside, what goes in inside the building stays the same.

 

Take the name, for example. The plaque on the building at 700 Leslie Avenue says Thorn Hill Education Center, but it is also known as Thorn Hill Learning Center, Thorn Hill Community Education Center, Thorn Hill School and, sometimes, just good old Thorn Hill. Even the Thorn Hill part is subject to change. Although it's two words, it is just as often written as one. It really doesn't matter.

 

Nor does the biggest change that has happened at Thorn Hill. Last year, Franklin County Public Schools decided it would no longer serve as fiscal agent for the Center. While this created a lot of anxiety and confusion, it didn't cause what was going in the building to stop. In fact, Thorn Hill had its largest graduating class in some time – 137 adults received their GED certificates in the past year.

 

Summer classes are underway for those still working to attain a GED and more are signing up every day. The instructors are working hard to make sure they achieve their goals and students are able to don their caps and gowns at next June's ceremony. In addition to the GED classes and testing, classes continue for those learning English as a second language and those adults who may have a high school diploma or GED, but need help in certain subjects to get a promotion or a better job. As far as what's happening in the classrooms, nothing has changed.

 

That's not to say the changes have been easy. “It's been a little hectic at times and we've had to adapt to new ways of doing things, but we've been able to continue out Adult Education program without and loss of service to the students,” said Mike Rosenstein, Thorn Hill's Executive Director.

 

Another thing that hasn't changed is Thorn Hill's need for community support. “As good and as dedicated as this staff is, we can't do it alone,” Rosenstein said. “We need the community to know that despite what they might have heard, Thorn Hill is not closing. We will continue to provide adult education services. What we need most from the community is its continued support for our programs. We need volunteers to help with classes and projects, and of course, financial contributions will never be turned away.”

 

One way the community can support is the upcoming Spellapalooza. Set for August 20 at the Paul Sawyier Public Library, the event is the brainchild of foundation board member Marylynn Collins. “We wanted to kick-off our fundraising efforts with an event that the entire community could participate in. Spellapalooza is something that will not only raise some much needed funds, but will also be a lot of fun,” she said.

 

To find out more about Spellapalooza, the other programs at Thorn Hill or how you can help, call 502.223.3110 or stop by the center at 700 Leslie Avenue.