At the Third Annual 2010 Solaris Award Ceremony held October 14 by Family Road of Greater Baton Rouge at Boudreaux’s, the Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY) Program was a winner of the Iridescent Award.  HIPPY is a program of the East Baton Rouge Parish School System (EBRPSS).  The Iridescent Award recognizes outstanding governmental service programs.  HIPPY is headed up by Bernadette Joiner.

EBRPSS’s Pre-K Program also was a finalist for a Solaris Award but did not place.

HIPPY is a home-based, early intervention program that helps parents provide educational enrichment for their preschool children ages, three, four, and five.  The HIPPY curriculum contains 30 weeks of activity packets written in a structured format that provides guidance for the parents and ensures a successful learning experience for parents and their children.  By supporting parents, HIPPY’s primary goal is to increase vulnerable children’s success in school and, ultimately in adult life.

The Solaris Awards were created to recognize and honor area programs and their organizations (non-profit, private and government agencies) for their exceptional service to the Greater Baton Rouge community. The Solaris Awards celebrate the holistic efforts that make a program successful. The awards are not for individuals but honor the greatest form of collaboration – teamwork.

Pictured at the awards ceremony are (left to right):  Family Road Executive Director Dena Morrison congratulating winner representatives Joiner, HIPPY Program; Gerry Malone, Uniforms for Kids; Melissa Dotson, Junior League of Greater Baton Rouge; Jill Rigby Garner, Manners of the Heart; Bob and Janet Leslie, JL Foundation; and Cleve Fontenot, Refined by Fire Ministries.