Winter 2021 | Page 35

Roanoke students had the opportunity to win laptops , books and gift cards during a summer reading program thanks to Cox .
Cox Virginia partnered with Roanoke City Public Schools on its summer reading program , helping ensure 177 students avoided the “ summer slide ” — a decline in reading ability that often occurs when school isn ’ t in session . Cox provided funds for prizes as well as laptops to encourage participation .
( From left ) Charlie Benson , Scott Cagle , Ty Sheppard , Shykwana McCants , Joe Vasquez and Bonnie Lopez-Crowe helped at the Back-to-School Bash .
Cox Communications Middle Georgia and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Georgia held a Back-to-School Bash to help Bibb County students get classroom-ready . Cox donated over 300 backpacks filled with school supplies , and volunteers distributed them at the event ; students also enjoyed lunch , dancing and crafts .
Cox Automotive volunteers took time to create custom inspirational messages like these for 245 students receiving STEAM activity boxes .
Cox Automotive team members partnered with Brown Toy Box , a Black female-owned company , to provide 245 STEAM activity boxes that highlight Black people in STEAM . Cox volunteers provided handwritten inspirational notes for the boxes , which were distributed to students by YMCA of Metro Atlanta , YMCA of Greater New Orleans and YMCA Pittsburgh .
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Brian Antonelli ( top right ) coached teachers on how to use a donated 3D printer and held a workshop for the students .
In Atlanta , Cox Enterprises and Cox Automotive volunteers partnered with Science ATL ’ s STEM Professional School Partnerships program , which paired them with three elementary schools to expand STEAM opportunities for fourth and fifth grade students . They conducted virtual workshops to help teachers and students master 3D printing skills ; planned science fairs ; used Rosie ( Cox ’ s campus security robot ) to show how robots can help keep people and the environment safe ; and more . Cox also donated 400 coding , gaming and robotics Brown Toy Boxes to the partner schools .
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Pictured at right are six of the Cox Inspirational Student Heroes honored for accomplishments at school , at home and in their communities .
Cox Communications virtually celebrated nearly 175 Cox Inspirational Student Heroes across the Southeast , honoring young people of all backgrounds and ages who have demonstrated extraordinary accomplishments at school , at home and in their communities despite facing daily challenges .
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