Education Foundation to Honor Two at Annual Award Breakfast

The Council Rock Education Foundation will honor two local people who have made "extraordinary contributions" to the district and community at its annual Outstanding Community Partner Award Breakfast.

John T. Parry, of The First National Bank and Trust Company of Newtown, and Deborah Moskovitz, Council Rock Coalition for Healthy Youth director, will be honored at the breakfast on May 15.

The breakfast will be held from 7:30 to 9 a.m. at The Chancellor Center. Tickets are $30.

Parry, a life-long Bucks County resident, is the chairman of the Board of Directors of The First National Bank and Trust Company of Newtown. He joined The First National Bank of Newtown in 1973, was elected to the Board of Directors in 1989 and held the position of President and CEO from 1996 to 2012.

“We have been very fortunate to have had John spend his career with the bank,” said Dan Schaffer, current CEO of First National.  “His legacy is not only how much the bank has grown and prospered over his 40-year career, but what the bank has done for the community under his leadership.” 

Moskovitz has served as director of the Council Rock Coalition for Healthy Youth since 2005.

“Deb has been the driving force behind the coalition’s growth and success,” said Mark Klein, Superintendent of Schools for the Council Rock School District.  “Deb has secured grants for student health programs; created the Parenting Academy; worked with school PTO’s to present programs about drugs, alcohol and mental health; and was instrumental in securing Council Rock’s 2012 award as one of the 100 Best Communities for Young People.  We are grateful for her dedication and commitment to the youth of our community.”

The public is invted to attend the breakfast or make a donation in honor of Parry or Moskovitz.

Tickets are available online or through the Education Foundation website www.creducationfoundation.org. Sponsorships are still available; contact swray.cref.legacy@gmail.com for more information.

CREF is an independent non-profit organization that raises money to support innovative education programs at Council Rock schools. Over the past five years, the Education Foundation has awarded 46 grants worth $64,000 to teachers and classrooms throughout Council Rock, according to the press release.  

“The focus of these grants are to allow teachers to be creative and do programs and projects that are not covered by the regular school budget”, said Suzanne Wray, executive director of CREF.  “These funds are available to all teachers, staff and PTO groups who want help to bring an innovative program or project into reality.” 

This year’s grants will be announced at the end of April and awarded at a school board meeting in June.

To learn more about CREF, make a donation or volunteer services, visit www.creducationfoundation.org.