More supplies donated for the rally.

TIFTON — Upcoming ninth through 12th graders are invited to attend Mims Kids Inc.’s sixth annual Stay in School Rally from noon to 3 p.m. July 29 at the Tift County Recreation Department on Victory Drive.

M. Jay Hall said he wanted to be able to give back to the community, focusing on getting high school aged kids to stay in school.

Last year, Hall said that there were about 300 kids attending and are hoping to have even more this year.

“Our youth is our future,” he said, “and I want to make sure they stay focused, graduate from high school and continue on. Maybe they’ll bring some of that good knowledge back to Tifton.”

While the event is focused on high school aged students, Hall said that every year there are younger children who attend.

“We do not steer anyone away,” he said, saying they have things for all ages.

There will be refreshments and music, as well as a bouncy house.

Local businesses and outreach programs will be there as well to showcase resources that students can utilize.

He said that he brings in speakers to address the kids about being successful and that local leaders attend.

Not completing high school is still a problem in Tift County even though the numbers of students dropping out has decreased, Hall said.

“Some have struggles at home,” he said. “They might need school supplies or extracurricular activities to keep them involved and keep them from getting in trouble. Some might not have the resources to do certain things.”

“We’ve never had any (students) come saying that they don’t want to stay in school,” Hall said.

Hall said that he wanted to make sure to thank the community and their sponsors, pointing out that they have a lot of repeating sponsors. He especially wanted to thank the Tift County Recreation Department for their partnership and allowing the event to be held at their facility.

They are still looking for volunteers and sponsors. For more information contact Hall at (229) 392-2071.