The Midlands Education and Business Alliance's Midlands Middle College held a ribbon cutting ceremony on Tuesday, September 16, 2008, to celebrate the start of its third successful year.

Coordinated by the Midlands Education and Business Alliance (MEBA)and located on the Airport Campus of Midlands Technical College, the Middle College is a unique, three- county initiative designed to help students who are academically capable, but at risk of dropping out of high school.

"We are here today because we are making a real difference in people's lives," said Dr. Sonny White, President of Midlands Technical College and Chair of MEBA's Board of Directors. "The Midlands Middle College offers school districts and students another choice for academic excellence and future success."

Joining Dr. White to celebrate the success of the Midlands Middle College were several featured speakers including Dr. Karen Woodward, Superintendent of Lexington School District One; Mrs. Sandy Roberts, parent of a current student; Kimberly Letton current student from Airport High School; Matthew Newton, current student from Lexington High School; and Dr. John Hudgens, Field Representative for the Midlands Middle College.

"I am very grateful to my high school guidance counselor and to the faculty of the Midlands Middle College for giving me another chance for success," said student Matthew Newton. Midlands Middle College works with nine Midlands school districts to provide students with another option for academic excellence and encouragement to graduate from high school.

The Midlands Middle College was established in 2005 through a Tech Prep Demonstration Grant from the U.S. Department of Education for $410,540 along with funds from the Nord Family Foundation, Time Warner Cable, Women in Philanthropy and the State Department of Education.

For more information, please visit www.mebasc.com