Submitted by Dr. Kathy Knight Burns
Vice-Chair Nassau County School Board
January 11, 2016 5:00 p.m.
As an educational leader I firmly believe that “we rise by lifting others.” I am constantly amazed at the spirit of giving exhibited by our community in support of our students, teachers, and our local schools. For many years I have attended the Fernandina Beach High School Foundation’s annual fundraising event. Each year I look forward to the Foundation Feast at Walker’s Landing where I am inspired by the comments from members of the Foundation, by the annual report from the school administration, and by the teachers who received grants that enabled them to add the “extras” that inspire their students to excel. The FBHS Foundation was formed in 1987 by a group of alumni and community members who wanted to “give back” to their school. Their efforts, as well as the efforts of those who have followed in their footsteps, resulted in the FBHS Foundation becoming a model for organizations whose goal is to support their schools. Until recently, attempts to replicate the model have been unsuccessful.
In 2014, Superintendent John Ruis, Senator Aaron Bean, and a group of committed volunteers came together to establish The Nassau Education Foundation. Their vision was to create an organization that would benefit teachers and students throughout Nassau County. On February 5th, 2014, the inaugural event to launch to organization was held at the Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island. This “first annual” Teacher of the Year Gala recognized outstanding teachers from throughout the county and celebrated the passion and creativity that the teachers who were honored bring to their profession. Thanks to an enthusiastic and generous county-wide
response to the Gala, more than $100,000 was raised to insure the continued success of The Nassau Education Foundation.
For the first time this fall, all Nassau County teachers had the opportunity to apply to the Nassau Education Foundation for grants to support their classroom activities. In response to requests from teachers throughout the county, The Nassau Education Foundation distributed grants totaling over $94,000, including $17,000 dedicated to STEM-related robotics projects. What an amazing first year launch for such a worthwhile effort!
The Nassau Education Foundation’s 2016 Teacher of the Year Gala will be held January 26th, at 6:00 PM, at the Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island. Please consider supporting the efforts of the Nassau Education Foundation by attending their second annual event. For ticket information, email: [email protected]
On February 27th, the Fernandina Beach High School Foundation will host their annual Foundation Feast at Walker’s Landing. Guests may register online at: tinyurl.com/FBHSfeast Sponsorships and individual tickets are still available.
On behalf of all members of the Nassau County School Board, I would like to extend our deepest appreciation to the volunteers from both Foundations for their generous gifts of time and resources to support students, teachers and schools throughout the county.