Avondale High School receives $500 grant from ExxonMobil Foundation

The ExxonMobil Foundation awarded Avondale High School a $500 grant for the continued advancement of the school’s math and science curriculum. The grant is an annual award given to schools that promote excellence in education in the fields of math and science and is part of the National Math and Science Initiative (NMSI). The ExxonMobil Foundation became a founding sponsor of NMSI in 2007 and since then, has committed millions of dollars to funding middle and high school programming and initiatives that promote science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education.

Sandra Yantus, manager of Safiedine Oil, a distributor of ExxonMobil, presented Avondale High School interim principal, Sharon Hyde with the award. Yantus, who nominated the school for the grant, manages the Mobil On The Run Station at the corner of Auburn and Adams roads and was happy for the opportunity to support the high school. “I’ve felt connected to the Avondale community for many years – I’ve had many Avondale students as employees and when they get out of college and come back to the area they stop in and visit.” Yantus likes to feel part of the community that she works in and has even volunteered at concession stands during Friday night Avondale High School sporting events. “Giving back to the community either through donations or time is a nice way to build relationships,” she said.

Hyde gratefully accepted the grant that she says has been earmarked to assist the school’s math and science departments with special projects. “The focus of the ExxonMobil Foundation on science and math is right in line with the emphasis that we place on our STEM curriculum. We are charged with preparing our students for success in a high-tech world so it’s nice when a corporation recognizes that directive and then supports us with funding.”

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