“Lawyer Uses Squash to Help At-Risk Kids with Homework, Life Skills,” Daily Report

In a Q&A feature published on May 3, 2016, John Collar, managing partner of Boyd Collar Nolen & Tuggle, discusses his role as academics chair with A+ Squash, a nonprofit organization that pairs at-risk students with adults during after-school activities. Growing up, Collar never thought that squash would be something other than the yellow vegetable. Now, he uses the game of squash to teach Atlanta’s at-risk youth the principles of leadership and self-esteem and how to improve their grades. “We are utilizing squash to help them understand their own health and wellness and nutrition,” explains Collar. “We’re trying to teach them the value of being involved in a community and giving back… Our first class had 13 students, and now we have about 23 students.” In addition to building comradery through the unique sport, Collar and others provide homework help and mentor the students about their careers. Collar added, “I have helped them by explaining where I went to college, what it means to be a lawyer and what kind of law I practice.” Students involved in the program have risen their grade-point averages, developed leadership skills and have greater dedication to academics. Daily Report subscribers may read the entire article here.