Lamar Education Awards Foundation (L.E.A.F.) has reached a milestone in grant giving to the Lamar Consolidated Independent School District. The nonprofit organization, established just 9 years ago in 2000, has been fulfilling its purpose of raising money to disperse throughout the LCISD for the benefit of teachers and students, and on Friday November 13 they hit the million dollar mark. The sentiments of many that day were of excitement and gratitude. “It’s one of those figures you think you’ll never reach. It’s an overwhelming feeling, knowing what we’ve accomplished,” shared Janice Knight, executive director of L.E.A.F.
Friday was not just a day to celebrate a milestone that had been reached in the past, it was a day where a step was taken and the mark was made. Twenty-six campuses received a total of 109 grants that day, with Huggins Elementary receiving the largest donation of 9 grants totaling $21,483. The funds raised by L.E.A.F. go to fund programs and needs that would exceed the district’s budget. These include fine arts programs, scholarships for students and LCISD employees, as well as teaching materials. They are able to raise the money by hosting small events throughout the year and by holding three major fundraisers: Surf’s Up, Men Who Cook, and New Teacher’s Dinner.
The first year of L.E.A.F. a total of $35,000 in grant money was awarded, and this year the organization was able to award $184,329. For some of the schools the money comes by way of the Grant Express where L.E.A.F. board members surprise the school unannounced, bursting through their front doors with whistles, balloons and cheering. The ensuing excitement on both ends cannot be contained; Huggins Elementary Principal Veronica Williams screamed and danced at the generosity and care shown to the school district. “Having reached the milestone in less than a decade says something about the LCISD community. It knows how important L.E.A.F. is and values its presence in the district,” Knight said. “We live in such a wonderful community with wonderful people.”
“Every year we outdo the year before,” Knight continued. Knowing the importance of education to area residents this organization will keep on chugging as the Grant Express rolls into more schools throughout the years, benefitting both teachers and students. Both LCISD and L.E.A.F. are looking to the future to see what the next decade will hold, and what milestones will be reached in coming years.
Source: www.fbherald.com
