Educational Foundation Awards Six Grants To School District Projects

The Cherokee County Educational Foundation this week held its annual meeting and doubled the number of special projects grants presented to the Cherokee County School District.

CCEF is a charitable, non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the students and staff of the Cherokee County School District by promoting teaching and learning and celebrating achievements. The organization seeks funding and resources to enrich CCSD schools in areas not fully funded in the regular school program.

“Due to continued success of CCEF fundraisers, the Board is able to award six special grants, which are in response to specific needs outlined by the School District as not being fully funded by the regular school program,” President William “Billy” G. Hasty Jr. said at the meeting, which was held on Wednesday at Cherokee High School.

The Board presented:

• A $3,000 grant for high school credit recovery class scholarships for students who otherwise could not afford these classes in order to graduate. This funding will provide 20 scholarships;
• A $2,000 grant to Canton Elementary School STEM Academy for student sustenance assistance including the Care Closet, meal backpacks and snack funds;
• A $1,250 grant to the district to sponsor its Partner of the Year/Volunteer of the Year awards and reception ceremony on March 17;
• A $1,000 grant to Cherokee High School for the new CCEF - CHOICES Scholarship Fund to provide scholarships for 2015 CHOICES Program graduates to attend technical college or other licensing programs or to purchase career-related tools;
• A $1,000 grant to Holly Springs Elementary School STEM Academy for fitness equipment for the school’s recreation and fitness area improvement project; and,
• A $500 grant for a Visa gift card to be presented to the district Teacher of the Year on behalf of CCEF at the Teacher of the Year Banquet.

“Thank you to the Board and everyone who supports CCEF and our fundraisers,” Hasty added. “Without your help, we would not be able to support these important programs and projects.”

CCEF returns all funds raised in the community to the school district through several different grant programs, one of which is the IMPACT Grants program for “bright ideas” submitted by teachers, departments and schools to encourage and support innovation and creativity in teaching and learning. Earlier this year, CCEF awarded $10,000 for its first-ever round of IMPACT grants; and in February, CCEF will increase that to award $15,000 in these grants.

The Foundation recently kicked off its annual CCEF T-shirt sale, which is underway at schools throughout the system. Parents and community partners are invited to purchase the shirts as well (see form below, or click here). The cost is $10 for youth and adult sizes, and orders can be made through any school between now and Jan. 9. Schools have the opportunity to earn a percentage of their sales back as a Rapid Grant, and there’s a competition among schools.

“We have an exciting year ahead with the launch of our inaugural ‘A Celebration of Education’ Gala on March 14 and the continuation of our successful annual T-shirt sale and Golf Classic tournament in the fall,” Mr. Hasty said. “Together we can continue making a difference for the love of education!”

During the annual meeting, the Woodstock Innovation Zone principals presented the organization’s board with a donation of more than $1,400 raised through recent fundraisers at their schools.

“Due to generous gifts like this from our community, the Board has voted to increase the available funds for its IMPACT Educational grants to be awarded on Feb. 13, 2015 to schools, teachers or other staff with innovative ideas from $10,000 to $15,000,” Hasty said. “Thank you to the Woodstock Innovation Zone and to all of our partners for their support!”

Photo 1: The Cherokee County Educational Foundation Board celebrates the presentation of six Special Projects grants to the Cherokee County School District during its Annual Meeting held on Thursday at Cherokee High School. From left to right, front row: Canton ES STEM Academy Principal Beth Long, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Frank R. Petruzielo, Holly Springs ES STEM Academy Principal Dr. Dianne Steinbeck, Cherokee HS Principal Debra Murdock; second row: CCEF Board members Colleen Blackwell, Peggy Moore, President William ‘Billy’ G. Hasty Jr., Secretary Amanda Arnold, Debbie Rabjohn, Debi Radcliff, Abby Roach; back row: CCSD Deputy Superintendent Dr. Brian Hightower, CCEF Board members Marla Prince, Kevin Williams and Rod Drake and Kenneth Owen, CCSD Director for Grants Accounting, Internal Audits and Budgets, and Assistant Superintendent for Financial Management Candler Howell. Credit: Cherokee County School District

Photo 2: The Woodstock Innovation Zone Principals present CCEF Board President William ‘Billy’ G. Hasty Jr. with a donation of more than $1,400 raised through recent fundraisers at their schools. From left to right: Woodstock ES Principal Kim Montalbano, Mr. Hasty, Carmel ES Principal Paula Crumbley, Sixes ES Principal Cindy Crews and Woodstock MS Principal Mark Smith. Credit: Cherokee County School District