Presbyterian Home for Children P. O. Drawer 577 Talladega, AL 35161 PHONE: (256) 362-2114 FAX: (256) 362-0120 admin@phfc.org Congratulations Hope Academy Class of 2009! Eight seniors received their diplomas during the Commencement Exercises held on May 28. That's right...eight out OF eight for a 100% graduation rate! All of our 2009 graduates plan to continue their education by attending college as early as this summer at UAB, Jacksonville State University, Central Alabama Community College and Gadsden State Community College. We are very proud of the Class of '09. Their hard work and dedication to academic acheivement will open doors never before imagined... Join us June 27th for Alumni and Visitors Day! "We are humbled by the spirit..." On a Tuesday morning this past April, two Alabama native US Army soldiers just returning from 14 months in Iraq, climbed on their bicycles at the Tennessee/Alabama State line to begin their journey southward to the Gulf of Mexico. Their intent was to use 3 days of their 14 day leave before departing for their next assignment to raise money for Hope Academy at the Presbyterian Home . The venture had been Pate's brainstorm. While stationed in Baghdad, he felt driven to do something to "...make a difference". Being a son of a Presbyterian Minister, Pate was aware of the needs of the Home and school. He began planning his ride during his last months in Baghdad. Family and friends helped publicize the ride and began taking donations in advance of the ride. The response has been overwhelming! The guys were only asking people to give 10 cents per mile for every mile that they rode and expected to perhaps raise a few thousand dollars for their efforts. Quite a few of the gifts have come from his fellow soldiers in Iraq - many others, large and small, have come from children's groups, restaurants, church groups, corporations and individuals. Well over $15,000 dollars has been raised thus far for Hope Academy and gifts continue to come into the Home from people who have learned what the soldiers have accomplished. PHFC President Bill Wills expressed it best when he said, "We are humbled by the spirit of these young men who used their short leave time to do something for others." Although their bicycle trek through Alabama is over, it is not too late to be a part of these thoughtful young men's quest. Donations benefiting Hope Academy are still being accepted in their honor via mail and online. It's easy. Hope Academy Continues to Grow! Hope Academy, the Home's SACS accredited on-campus school, has expanded to include acceptance of 1st and 2nd grade students. Hope Academy hosted a growing number of private day students in the 2007, 2008 and 2009 academic years and looks forward to greeting even more in the years to come. With a low teacher to student ratio and individualized instruction plans, Hope Academy provides personalized education to all students. Through these unique methods of instruction, even students who have fallen behind in the past are able to proceed forward toward achieving their full academic potential. More about Hope Academy... Make Donations Online The Presbyterian Home for Children now accepts Visa and MasterCard donations online. Online transactions are fast, convenient, private and secure. Try making one today! Click here... The Presbyterian Center Serves the Community The Presbyterian Center for Families & Children offers to any family the most comprehensive diagnostic evaluations in Northeast Alabama. Services available to the public include: Individual, group and family counseling, ADHD assessment and treatment, academic/career planning and parenting classes. The Presbyterian Center for Families & Children believes that all families can lead happy, meaningful and productive lives. Allow us to assist you and your family in learning to cope with the uncertainty of today's world and provide the tools to deal with it's problems. Make an appointment today... More...