Robeson's Inc. - Launch Pad Discovery Center Opens in Rantoul

Apartment Community Rewards Student Achievement

November 21, 2006
It is mid-November and first quarter grades have just been released at Rantoul Schools. Brianna Vasquez opens the envelope to see what she was earned. Hooray! Straight A's! After congratulations from her parents, Brianna takes her report card down to the office at Golfview Village for her "Good Student Reward." There she picks from a variety of gifts for her and earns her family a rent credit for her efforts.

Brianna is one of 26 students who live at Golfview Village who have received an award this quarter (which marks the first time awards have been given out since Golfview Village implemented the program this fall). The "Good Student Rewards" at Golfview Village recognize the hard work of students who receive all A's and B's on their report cards. Students receiving the award can choose from a variety of gifts and earn a rent credit for their family each time grades are released and they qualify.

"This is the first opportunity to give out the awards since we started the program," said Angie Hertel, Leasing Manager. "We have already given out quite a few and we expect that once the program catches on and more of our residents find out about it, we will be giving out more and more."

Kenneth Roessler, one of Golfview's Owners, feels the program is an important one. "The education of our youth is so important. Teachers and parents work hard to teach and motivate the kids. We want to do our part to reward students for their achievements."

Roessler hopes other businesses will incorporate similar programs. The Launch Pad Discovery Center, a before and after-school child care center that Roessler also shares ownership in, has also implemented a rewards program. Launch Pad's "Shining Star" program also recognizes students for their achievements.

"We encourage other businesses to adopt similar programs and reward students for their hard work," Roessler said.

Angie Hertel agrees and feels the program has a great future. "We have so many great kids here at Golfview. Some of them qualify for the awards right now, but all of them have the potential to receive them. It is great to reward the kids and if this program helps motivate them to excel, it will be a great success."