Newport Public Education Foundation Announces Annual Awards

The Newport Public Education Foundation is pleased to announce that in recognition of Noreen Stonor Drexel’s years of service to public education in Newport, the Foundation has named their annual awards in her honor.

Noreen Stonor Drexel had an unmatched ability to bring members of the Newport community together in support of important issues. She was definitely a "doer" and she encouraged other people to "do". She hosted an annual get together at her home that provided key players in Newport and the state to leave their political hats at the door and talk about what they could do together.

One of those instances was the fund raising effort for the renovation and restoration of the Thompson Middle School. Through her efforts, a large private funder launched the furniture and technology fund raiser for the middle school. She was definitely a strategic team-builder and used her social networks to help out so many different causes whether it was education or healthcare. She was a woman of integrity and loved the Newport community. She was often seen having lunch at the Newport Creamery on Bellevue Avenue where she was a regular.

The Noreen Stonor Drexel Education Awards are selected annually and represent individuals and organizations that significantly contribute to the students of the Newport Public Schools. Currently, three awards and a scholarship are presented annually. These awards will be presented at this year’s An Evening for Education at Ochre Court, Salve Regina University, Friday, May 31, 2013.

The 2013 Noreen Stonor Drexel Friend in Education Award recipient is Donna Maytum. Donna has a long history of serving the students in Newport Public Schools. As a Newport Rotarian, Donna has played a leadership role in facilitating many host family exchanges for foreign exchange students attending Rogers High School. Through her many community activities, Donna is often a local voice heard in support of Newport students. Donna provides a great deal of experience with the spring and fall Secret Garden Tours and has worked tirelessly with the Benefactor of the Arts in supporting the arts and music programs across Aquidneck Island. Donna and her husband Jack own the Firehouse Theater in Newport where they hire Rogers High School students to work with the Bit Players Improv Group.

The 2013 Noreen Stonor Drexel Partner in Education Award recipient is the Newport Family & Child Opportunity Zone (NFCOZ). NFCOZ serves Newport children from birth to grade four and their families. NFCOZ provides early childhood services; school age programs such as after school programs and school vacation camps; parent support and education; health and wellness activities; and connection to community resources. NFCOZ works closely with the elementary schools to support family involvement and promote school success with their staff of family service coordinators.

The 2013 Noreen Stonor Drexel Unsung Hero Award recipient is Eddie Merritt. Eddie Merritt serves as the Student Attendance Facilitator for Newport Public Schools. Eddie works tirelessly with the local truancy courts and the students in Newport Public Schools. When asked about Eddie Merritt, Jared Conheeny, Thompson Middle School Dean of Students said “Eddie Merritt has the biggest heart we know. He is fearless. Any issue that is given to him is handled with persistence, professionalism and class. He accommodates for all circumstances that may arise. In his job, every case is different and every day is different. His sense of what is right and just is always on the mark. His commitment to the children of Newport is witnessed every single day.”

This year’s Newport Public Education Foundation 2013 Scholarship recipient is Dylan S. Burke, Newport, RI. This award is presented annually to a graduating senior from Rogers High School, and will be presented to Dylan at the annual awards night at Rogers High School on June 11, 2013. Dylan Burke is the third recipient of the NPEF Scholarship, joining 2012 Scholarship Recipient Paris McGee and 2011 Scholarship Recipient Andrew Onifiro.

The Noreen Drexel Education Awards will be presented on Friday, May 31, 2013 at a presentation and Reception to benefit the Newport Public Education Foundation, at Ochre Court, Salve Regina University, Newport, RI 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Music will be provided by the Rogers High School Jazz Ensemble with hors d’oeuvres provided by Blackstone Caters and the Culinary Arts Program at the Newport Area Career and Technical Center. An Evening for Education is sponsored in part by the Landor & Fuest Capital Managers, LLC, J. Farrar & Associates, Inc., and Horan Building Company of Newport. Tickets $40 per person, $75 per couple, available online at www.npef-ri.org

The The Newport Public Education Foundation (NPEF) is an all volunteer non-profit organization dedicated to the students of Newport Public Schools. Our mission is to support all children in our public schools by raising money and funding programs within the school that are not otherwise funded through the school budget. Every year we award an average of $20,000 in grants to classroom teachers and community groups to provide innovative educational experiences to the children of Newport.