Florence's School Foundation honored as Champion for Education

Posted: Thursday, March 12, 2015 10:06 pm
By NICOLE CARTRETTE Morning This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Florence, S.C. --The School Foundation has long been a champion in the eyes of Florence School District 1 officials, but Thursday night the nonprofit organization officially became a champion in the eyes of the South Carolina School Boards Association.

The foundation earned the state association's Champion for Public Education award earlier this year but was officially recognized on Thursday during the school board's meeting.

Robert Gantt, S.C. School Board Association president and member of the District Five of Lexington and Richland Counties School Board, presented the prestigious award to representatives from the foundation.  Florence 1 officials nominated the Schools Foundation for its work in supporting public education in the district.

The award goes to community residents, organizations or local businesses/industries whose contributions to public education have significantly benefited the entire school district or public schools statewide.

"The School Foundation's Board of Directors consists of a diverse group of businesspeople, civic leaders, and educators," the nomination reads. "Their role is a constant, never-ending task born from the heart and intellect of citizens who make the education of each student a top priority."

Jean Leatherman of the School Foundation said the organization was "glad to partner" with the district. "It is always wonderful to be recognized for the work you have done," Leatherman said. She commented that much had been done but the work was not finished yet.  "We have only just begun," Leatherman said.

To receive the S.C. School Board Association award, recipients must, among other things, show leadership in support of ongoing or special programs authorized by the school board, demonstrate, through actions, pride for the school district and effectively work for the betterment of the schools in the district as a whole or for public schools statewide.

"The School Foundation is to be commended for his invaluable support, service and leadership to the students in Florence County School District One," said Paul Krohne executive director for the state association. "The organization models the support and care that we want for every school in our state."

The School Foundation became the largest education foundation in the state in 2006 with an endowment exceeding $1.4 million. Since the organization's inception it has awarded nearly $1 million in grants to Florence 1.
The organization's highly popular fundraiser, Dancing with the Stars of Florence, is scheduled for March 31 at the Southern Institute of Manufacturing and Technology. The event is sold out but votes for this year's celebrities can be made at florencedancingwiththestars.com.

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