The Academic Achievement Award Foundation

Rev. Baines

After working hard Henry Baines attained the rank of Store Manager, in a locally owned Supermarket, Henry T. Baines Sr. Opened his first store, in the Park Heights Community in Baltimore, Maryland in 1978. As a local business owner, he developed knowledge of the needs of the people in his community.

Keen observations led him to understand the need to motivate the neighborhood children to do their best in their Academic subjects. Quietly, without fanfare, he asked the children to bring in their report cards --- For each “A” he would give the Student $1.00 --- For each “B” he would give the Student .50¢. As you might expect, the word spread quickly and Students throughout the community brought Mr. Baines their report card anticipating a monetary reward and more importantly, recognition for their achievements.

Through these thoughtful and humble acts, the genesis of the Academic Achievement Award Foundation, Inc. was formed. This personal recognition of Academic Achievement continued for several years and miraculously as the number Mr. Baines stores grew, so did the recognition for the number of students increase.

As Mr. Baines business interests grew, so did Stop Shop Save Food Markets commitment to Baltimore’s children. The actions were grooming and motivating hundreds of children to excel in Academic subjects in school. Until in 1999, the Academic Achievement Award Foundation was incorporated as a 501C-3 non profit organization. The Reverend Al Hathaway was chosen to be the President and CEO of the Academic Achievement Awards Foundation Inc. The Foundations work became an institutional offering, open to all Elementary Schools in Baltimore City.

Rev. Hathaway

Reverend Hathaway has brought both national and local attention to the Foundation with generous donations from both individuals and Corporations for motivating Baltimore youth’s Academic Achievement. To date, there are over 150 sponsors and supporters of the Foundation.

Each year, students are recognized for their Academic accomplishments at an annual Academic Awards Ceremony. From the simple beginnings of offering a small number of children recognition and motivation to excel in school, the number of students recognized for the school year of 2005/2006 exceeded 450 students as witnessed by more than 2,000 family members, friends and supporters of the Academic Achievement Awards program. Every Student in attendance was chosen and awarded according to their Academic Achievement. Top Winners were rewarded with complete Computer systems and even trips to Disney World.

Always seeking to improve its services and support for the Parents and Teachers, of the students in the program. The Academic Achievement Awards Foundation, inc. is partnering with the Center for Management and Technology to develop methodology to track progress of each student from K – 16 and expand its reach into the Community.

Stop Shop Save, a leader in community support in Baltimore has provided opportunity to hundreds of Baltimore’s youth over the years.

Most recently, Stop Shop Save Food Markets is a co-sponsor with the Colgate Palmolive Company and the Baltimore City Mayor’s Office program “Baltimore Youth Works”.

This program helps ambitious Baltimore Youth of working age to obtain summer jobs. The participants in this program are provided with an opportunity not only to earn money but an opportunity to receive training and guidance in the Retail and other industries.