Highway safety grant being put to good use at BC

Bainbridge College (BC) has received notice that it is again the recipient of a Governor's Office of Highway Safety (GOHS) grant.

"A $4,500 GOHS grant for the college has been approved for this academic year," said Arlene Cook, BC counselor and member of the Officeof Student Affairs.

She submitted the grant application and will use it for special events, speakers and educational materials. The alcohol abuse prevention efforts are to begin in the Spring Semester that starts Jan. 7, she said. She is also planning to use it for continuing efforts during the Summer Term and at the start of Fall Semester through Sept. 30, 2008.

The purpose of the grant is the prevention drinking and driving in addition to prevention of the use of alcohol on school campuses, said Ms. Cook, who joined the BC community in June 2006.

In her work as a college counselor, she meets with students referred from the faculty or staff and is available to listen to students who may have academic, personal, and crisis challenges, said Michael Kirkland, interim vice president of Student Affairs.

"Arlene came to us from South Georgia College in Douglas where she worked with the TRIO grant program," Kirkland said. "We are fortunate to have her on the Student Affairs team. She is an excellent resource for the students and her professionalism and serene demeanor provide a steadying influence and sense of calm even on the most hectic days."

A nationally certified counselor, Ms. Cook holds a master of arts degree in rehabilitation counseling from South Carolina State College and completed certificationin school counseling at Columbus State College.