The SOAR Legacy
Meet SOAR founder Mrs. Jacquelyn Paulk
From its inception, the SOAR program was made possible by the vision, the care, and the commitment of Mrs. Jacquelyn Paulk.
Mrs. Paulk has dedicated her entire career to lifting children out of failure and hopelessness— and into reaching their unlimited potential. For 38 years, she taught in the Sarasota school district in several local schools. She both organized and implemented after-school programs in the Boys and Girls club, The Sarasota Housing Authority, and Greater Hurst Chapel AME Church. After retirement, she began working on after-school education programs for community youth.
The SOAR program embodies her approach to individualized learning. It focuses on evaluating each child's individual needs, and only then customizing a course of learning for them— utilizing both small teacher-led groups and individual learning.
Several years ago, in an interview, Mrs. Paulk shared her thoughts, simple and touching: “Now that I have a little time, I can reach back and help. Maybe they can get a little better education and move on.”
Every month can be
Family Literacy Month!
Celebrate with a host of ways to join in the learning. Here are just a few:
• Visit your local library with your family • Talk with your child about your favorite book • Donate books • Write a note • Share the love and joy of reading • Go online with your child and order a book together • Set aside time each day for reading • Keep books and magazines visible at home • Read the book version of your child's favorite movie • Download a free book and read it with your child • Help your grandchild write an email to someone you love!