Cherokee Schools Superintendent Visits Canton Lions Club

Superintendent Mary Elizabeth Davis recently visited the Canton Lions Club to share her experiences in her first six months in the role, as well as some of the initiatives that are happening throughout the Cherokee County School District.

Davis spoke to the club Sept. 5.

"Dr. Davis discussed with our team that the collective commitment at CCSD is to elevate excellence throughout the school system," said Canton Lions Club First Vice President Shawn Tolan. "She went on to note that the ultimate goals are that students are learning more, excelling more and ultimately preparing more for their future."

Members of the Canton Lions Club covered several projects, including the Peace Poster program, which involves Cherokee middle school art students creating art that depicts a theme each year. This year, the theme is "Peace Without Limits." Students compete locally, regionally, nationally and internationally.

Details were shared about the participation in CCSD‘s Star Student program, held in February at the Historic Canton Theater. The Star Student program highlights academic achievement from students throughout the county.

Details of countywide CCSD/Lions Clubs’ collective vision screening initiatives were also discussed.

In the 2023-2024 school year, Canton, Woodstock and Ball Ground Lions Clubs piloted vision screenings in all CCSD pre-Ks as well as ninth grades at Cherokee and River Ridge High Schools. The successful pilot program further strengthened the partnership as Lions will now be conducting vision screening in all pre-K and all ninth grades throughout the county.

CCSD recently adopted an opt-out process for vision screening, thereby ensuring that more students will be screened each year. Students are screened by lions using vision screening camera technology. Students that receive a “refer” result are encouraged to seek follow-up care from an eye care professional. Students requiring financial assistance may receive support from Lions and/or Lions partners.

“There’s a tremendous amount of satisfaction that comes with the work we are doing, alongside our CCSD partners,” Tolan said. “Everyone gets energized when we see the results of a student getting screened, being referred, getting the care they need and ultimately improving their vision, thereby potentially enhancing their educational experience."

In addition to service projects, the Canton Lions Club offers train rides each year at Riverfest.

The Canton Lions Club is the oldest chartered civic organization in Cherokee County. The club generally meets twice monthly at noon on the first and third Thursday at Goin' Coastal in downtown Canton.

Interested residents can visit a lunch meeting to hear about the Canton Lions Club. For more information, contact sharonlwatson@verizon.net.