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Grab your sneakers for another fun night recognizing the best in our schools and raising money for a good cause.

On Thursday, Communities In Schools (CIS) of Troup County will host its second annual Sneaker Ball.

The annual gala serves as an opportunity to recognize students involved in Communities in Schools for meeting and surpassing their goals for the year and the community partners who help make CIS possible.

CIS Director Tabitha Coverson said the first Sneaker Ball last year celebrated the nonprofit’s 35th anniversary, and they wanted to continue the tradition.

Most of the awards will go to students, but they will also recognize some outstanding community partners, volunteers, standout parents and outstanding staff members.

Coverson said the idea for the Sneaker Ball was inspired by the kids themselves.

“We like for the kids to dress up, but at the same time, heels and dress shoes are not the most comfortable,” Coverson said. “It allows the kids the time to be fancy, but then still be kids. And we, as adults, get to be fancy and still be kids at heart with our sneakers on.”

Money from the event will go to help support CIS and the 5200 students they serve in Troup County.

“The funds go toward our programs and services, and provide for our students throughout the year. A lot of times, things come up that aren’t really covered in our grant,” Coverson said. “For instance, we recently had a student who lost their health coverage, so we helped pay for a doctor’s visit and medication.”

“The funds from it will also help us offset some of the cost for our summer program that’s coming up during the month of June,” Coverson said.

The Sneaker Ball will be held on Thursday, May 8, at 6 p.m. at Crescent Station on E. Depot Street in LaGrange.

To purchase tickets, visit https://tinyurl.com/3vw6x9vn.