Laurel Highlands Academic Foundation moves education forward
In 1996, a foundation was formed to raise funds to help both teachers and students in the Laurel Highlands School District.
Over the past 17 years, the Laurel Highlands Academic Foundation has awarded more than $273,000 in scholarships to district students, and provided teachers with funding for academic programs.
鈥淥ur goal is to help fund programs that are innovative, educational and support students in a variety of ways,鈥� said Joann Phillian, treasurer for the foundation.
Teachers are able to apply for a funding to support a variety of needs and desires; from unique field trips to classroom projects that might prove impossible on basic available funds at their school.
鈥淲e do purchase tickets for students鈥� field trips and other educational opportunities, but we really encourage the teachers to find classroom or school-wide programs to benefit as many as possible. All of the ideas are worthwhile,鈥� Phillian said.
The Outdoor School in Jumonville is a great example.
鈥淲e make a donation to that program every year to send fifth graders to the Outdoor School for two and a half days of history, education and a variety of activities,鈥� Phillian said.
Other programs include a Smithsonian Plant and Development Study, Elementary Family Reading Nights and a NASA Challenger Learning Center Program.
The nonprofit foundation was instrumental in helping to establish several scholarship or education funds, including the LH Mustang Academic Scholarship for seniors planning on post-secondary education, the James E. Tobal Education Fund, the Michael S. Carbonara Memorial Education Fund and the Music Education Fund to support the arts. Teachers are able to apply for grants from the latter fund to foster a love of music in students.
Not only does the academic foundation have the pleasure of assisting teachers in the various programs aimed at pushing education further, they also enjoy seeing students鈥� faces as they learn and experience more.
鈥淎 lot of the teachers will send us photos and the students often write notes. It鈥檚 nice to be appreciated,鈥� Phillian said.
However, the foundation can鈥檛 do it alone.
They raise funds from the community, businesses and other organizations who love and support their school system.
鈥淲e have two main fundraisers per year. One of those is a Community Spirit Day at the senior high school before the Homecoming football game. We have our local (parent-teacher organizations), booster clubs and others selling spirit items. There鈥檚 a DJ, food tucks and it鈥檚 just a fun evening,鈥� Phillian said.
The second fundraiser occurs in March at the high school musical. An auction, concessions and musical dinner is hosted by the foundation prior to the show.
Supporters can donate toward the foundation and volunteers are welcome to apply to join its board of trustees. Additionally, the Laurel Highlands Academic Foundation is always in need of help with various programs and fundraisers.
For more information, visit https://www.lhsd.org/academic-foundation or contact President of the Academic Foundation Vince Soom at 724-438-6611.
Applications for the foundation鈥檚 scholarship funds are available at https://www.cffayettepa.org.