We are so pleased to talk about the CCEF’s Celebration of Education gala this last month. In only its second year, the gala raised an incredible $56,000! Wait, let’s back up.
What is the Cherokee County Educational Foundation and does it do?
The foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the students and staff of the Cherokee County School District by promoting teaching, learning and celebrating achievements. The nonprofit provides grants to schools, teachers, staff and students for academic and after school/extracurricular programs. The funds for the grants come from fundraisers like the annual gala and private donations.
The 2016 Gala
This year’s gala had 350 attendees including teachers, volunteers, alumni, students and parents. The attendees were entertained by the
CCSD’s Got Talent high school talent show. Our new Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Brian V. Hightower, was the event’s honorary chair. He was joined by a slew of fantastic educators including Teacher of the Year, Jeremy Law of Teasley Middle, Counselor of the Year Sue Hartwell of Boston Elementary School and many more.
The Alumni of the Year awards went to lifetime educator and now retired principal of her alma mater Bunche High School (now Center), Frankie Shepherd; and Gene Norton, a fellow lifetime educator and a retired superintendent. These honorees will be inducted to the Cherokee County Educators Hall of Fame once the construction is complete at the The Bluffs in Canton. These two individuals have dedicated their lives to our children ensuring they have the best education they can, a job that is no easy feat. Thank you both for your years of dedication to our students. We’re so lucky to have you!
The Announcement
The CCEF announced the CCEF Technology Challenge Grant, which will be piloted by the Hasty Elementary Fine Arts Academy. This is so exciting because it gives teachers the opportunity to apply for grants to receive tablets for each student. Not only that, but the recipient teacher will qualify for Microsoft Innovative Educator training and more. This fantastic opportunity gives not only students new ways to learn, but gives teachers the continuing education they need to fully utilize what’s available to them.
We’re very excited for what the CCEF brings to our schools and will be rooting them on along the way! Keep it up!