On May 10, Hawkins ISD Education Foundation had its first ever Prize Party, issuing $13,000 for teacher grants in its inaugural year of existence.

The Education Foundation was initiated by community members with a goal to support the teachers and students of Hawkins ISD with innovative learning that could not be funded adequately through the limited school budget. Board members have put in a lot of hard work and rolled up their sleeves to make this first year a huge success. The current board members are: Nancy Walker, Jurgen Simons, Morris Lyon, Sandra Endsley, Ashley Conner, Pat Harris, Al Harris, Rita O’Hara, Fletcher Walker, Jennifer Lucas, Jeri Holcomb, Wiley Vonner, Dare Kirklin, Tracy Thomas and Wende Haney.

The mission of the Education Foundation is to generate and distribute resources to enrich teaching, inspire learning and enhance opportunities for all students enrolled in the Hawkins Independent School District. The foundation was created to obtain alternative sources of the private-sector funding for the district, providing funds beyond the normal operating budget for educational programs and activities for students and staff. The foundation looks to fund innovative teaching grants, special needs of students, staff development, professional development scholarships, student scholarships, student-teacher recognition programs and permanent endowment funds through the donations made by private donors and businesses. The foundation to date has raised $33,000 in donations.

Friday was an exciting day for all. The Prize Party created so much excitement and anticipation as the Elementary campus gathered for an assembly, they quickly realized that this was no ordinary assembly but a day to celebrate teachers who submitted innovative grants to help each student have an enriched and innovative learning experience. While the grant writers had no idea if they had won, the anticipation grew as the winners of the grants were called out in front a crowd full of students and teachers. The High School and Middle School campuses were surprised in the individual classrooms of awarded teachers. Each grant winner was surprised with a large check, balloons and a T-shirt to celebrate the grant writer. The following six grant submissions totaling $13,000 were presented on Friday:

1. Amanda Weiss (secondary campus) – Dual Credit

2. Trudy Atteberry (secondary campus) – Throwing on the Wheel

3. Cathy Kelley (elementary campus) – Ultimate Student Engagement

4. James Sprouse (secondary campus) – Drones in School

5. Joyce Taylor and Tammy Pack (elementary campus) – Outdoor Learning Center

6. Laura Cranford, John Michael Gattis, Marci Evans, and Joshua Trull (Elementary Campus) – Inspiring Curiosity

7. Fiona Davis and Stephanie Sullivan (Elementary Campus) – Young Publisher’s Project.

The Education Foundation would like to thank each and every one of the donors, both private and businesses, who have made our first year a success. We look forward to expanding our reach past grants and generating more funds to impact the students and teachers of Hawkins ISD in an even greater way. If you would like to give to the Hawkins ISD Education Foundation you can do so by dropping off donations at the school administration office or Hawkins ISD Education Foundation through PayPal.