EXCEL Tutoring Program Turns 20 in Calhoun City

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CALHOUN CITY, Miss. (WCBI) – It’s been 20 years since the Excel program helped changed the lives of students in Calhoun City for the better.
Dozens of people came out today to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the Excel program.

The Calhoun City community, staff, and former members watched as current students sang the praises of the Excel program. Misty Villegas participated in the after-school tutoring program and says EXcel made a huge impact on her life.

“It not only helps you with school and grades, it teaches you self esteem and how to be kind to one another.
It instills so much, I cannot express how good they are,” says Villegas.

Excel’s mission is to empower local communities by helping them to further education, encourage community service and foster healthy lives.

“I heard a lot of people saying what a wonderful job they do and I said I’m going to give it a try. I put her in here and she made honor roll two times straight,” says Parent Carolyn Petty.

Former Excel Director Sister Myra Weitl, was instrumental in getting the program off to a good start 20 years ago. She no longer lives in Mississippi but says she felt the love when she returned to Calhoun City for the celebration.

“When I walked into the building I felt like I was at home. Lots of faces that were very welcoming and supportive. I just remember that everybody treated me as an equal to them and I tried to do the same for them and it made a good working situation,” says Weitl.

Students in grades one through six in Calhoun County are eligible to attend the After School Excel and Summer Excel programs.

The Excel celebration was hosted at the Methodist Corner Church on the square.