PANTHER PRIDE AWARDS GRANT MONEY

The Panther Pride Foundation for Central Schools and the CUSD #3 School Board once again teamed up to provide money for Learning Enhancement Grants for classroom education for the 2005-2006 school year.

The grant committee received 23 applications this fall, the most ever. Although not every request could be awarded, more than $3,100 was given out to 13 different projects. Grants ranged from $100 to $1,000 and money went to all grade levels to help buy things like books for guided reading, science materials, and graphing calculators to name a few.

In the spring $1800 was awarded for the Learning Enhancement Grants for seven different projects. Grants ranging from $50 to $500 were given to projects including pedometers for junior high physical education, a digital video camera for the high school and many learning aids for all grade levels.

The Learning Enhancement Grants provide teachers with a chance to expand on their curriculum and teaching aides with supplies that aren't usually provided through the normal school budget.

Since 1997, the Panther Pride Foundation has made an annual commitment to supply grant money for classroom projects that allow students to expand their horizons and learn with the latest technology and resources available.

$25,000 GIFT FOR PANTHER PRIDE

The Panther Pride Foundation for Central Schools has received one of its biggest individual contributions ever. When long-time Clayton resident, Eva Balk Faulkner, passed away last year, she left $25,000 from her estate to Panther Pride. She spent much of her life helping children in the Clayton area with their education and many times that meant giving them some much needed money. Eva was a strong supporter of the community who appreciated the business support given to her and her first husband, Melvin.

Panther Pride trustee and Clayton resident Gary Cantrell recalls many conversations over the years with Eva. He says, "she felt trongly that Clayton had a lot to offer with so many good people. Eva knew from her own personal experience that those same people had economic challenges that prohibited them from providing additional educational opportunities for their children. She would typically monitor a child's development by their involvement in scouts, church, school or personal accomplishments in the newspapers. Eva may not have known the children personally, but knew their parents and would consult with those whose opinions she valued and make a decision unknowingly to any of us."

That may be why she designated her gift to the Foundation to be used as a scholarship fund to help Central students further their education. This spring, PPF will award the first of these cholarships. There are two $500 scholarships available to graduating seniors. To follow Eva's wishes, students in the Clayton area will be given first consideration. If there aren't enough applications meeting qualifications, then the award will be expanded to all students of the Central School District . You can contact the Central high school guidance counselor for applications or for more information. The deadline to apply for any PPF scholarship is March 15.

The Panther Pride Foundation accepts bequests that will help further our mission of enhancing educational opportunities for the students of the Central school district. Since 1997, PPF has awarded 55 scholarships worth more than $25,000. It's also awarded thousands of dollars in Learning Enhancement Grants to classroom projects that help improve a student's education through new technology and other learning aides. You can learn more about the Panther Pride Foundation at www.pantherpride.org.

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