The West Central Learning Academy is a free public high school that offers alternative education to students who are not doing well in a traditional classroom setting. Superintendent Mindy Schulz told us that WCLA serves primarily students at-risk of graduating from high school and/or those who have already dropped out. WCLA also serves students in grades 9-12 who do not meet this criteria, and are desiring a different setting than the traditional public school setting. She says it is an ideal environment for students with health problems, those who are pregnant, or being bullied. WCLA has a blended learning program in which students learn online from home and attend school for face to face instruction with teachers part of the time. WCLA also offers a Drop Out Prevention Recovery Program which allows students, ages 16-22 years old, who have already dropped out or are behind in their credit requirements to complete their education for a high school diploma. Schulz says they have a good track record: for the last two years WCLA's seniors had a 100% graduation rate. They serve about 90 students a year.
Also at Monday's meeting, President Paul told us that construction has begun on the All People's Trail at Kendrick Woods. The Lima Rotary Club is helping to fund this project.
John Ficorilli also gave us a report from last month's District 6600 Conference. He said that besides being a lot of fun, it was a wonderful place to network and learn more about Rotary.
And Aaron McLaurine told us a little about Soldiers of Honor Boxing Club which encourages children to grow physically, mentally and emotionally through the disciple of boxing. This is another project funded by the Lima Rotary Foundation.