Monday, December 9, 2024
SPRINGTOWN — The Springtown Education Foundation is continuing its goal to support the growing Springtown Independent School District through partnerships with businesses and building its endowment program to fund future projects for the school district.
Board Chair Vicky Trichel says a key goal of the foundation is to expand financially to support the students in Springtown ISD.
“Our key goals are to grow financially to support our expanding district, form new partnerships with local businesses, and continue building our endowment program,” Trichel said. “This will allow us to fund more projects and provide additional scholarships as our student population grows.”
The Springtown Education Foundation was started in 1992 to support education programs in the district. The foundation was created with the purpose of providing funds beyond the normal operating budget for educational programs and activities. The approach has evolved over time to meet the needs of students and staff.
For example, the foundation recently incorporated a gala into its list of fundraising activities.
“I think the greatest recent addition is the SEF Gala,” Trichel said. “It has made a tremendous impact for our organization, not just because of the funds it has raised, but it has increased community involvement and participation.”
The foundation has three main ways of raising money that goes toward scholarships and to the students.
“Currently, we raise funds through three major events annually: the SEF Golf Tournament, spirit shirt sales and our largest fundraiser, the SEF Gala,” Trichel said. “Additionally, we offer an endowment program, allowing individuals to support scholarships in memory or honor of loved ones, ensuring long-term sustainability. For example, in response to an increase in interest in Career and Technical Education, we now offer scholarships for students pursuing CTE certifications, as well as two and four-year college degrees.”
Director of Communications and Marketing Kendra Hutchison mentioned SEF’s gratitude for the close relationship between the foundation and other entities throughout Springtown.
“We are fortunate to have close relationships with Springtown ISD, local businesses and the chamber of commerce, all of whom help us achieve our goals through generous support and collaboration,” Hutchison said.
The foundation also emphasizes its support for Springtown teachers and loves to see them return to their alma maters to make an impact on students. Director for Innovative Teaching Grants Andrea Hungerford steers the grants for these individuals.
“The foundation wants teachers and staff members to know they are valued, supported and appreciated,” Hungerford said. “It’s incredibly rewarding when we see former scholarship recipients return as teachers in Springtown. Additionally, presenting a ‘new to the classroom’ grant to a former scholarship recipient shows how our support comes full circle.”
The Springtown Education Foundation believes the greatest long-term impact it can have is to encourage a passion for learning among students and teachers and to ensure they are supported in their educational journeys.
