Foundation honors donors at reception

Historic City News received a report from the St. Johns County Education Foundation of their second annual “Donor Reception” held May 26th at A1A Ale Works in St. Augustine.

The event honored valued donors who have worked with the SJCEF to fund and volunteer for numerous projects that directly benefit St. Johns County’s quality of living through its educational system.

Present at the reception were mentors from the Take Stock in Children program, tutors from the Supplemental Educational Services program, Beth Upchurch, the Teacher of the Year, Megan Miller, the Rookie Teacher of the Year, SJCEF Board members and local donors, such as The Bailey Group, Hydro Aluminum and Regions Bank.

Megan Miller, who was awarded the Rookie Teacher of the Year by the SJCEF, noted that this ongoing philanthropy is a civics lesson she did not have to find on the Internet. It is a real world example with local significance. “You are leading by example! This is not just about you or for you. It is about filling in the gaps and taking that first step,” said Miller.

The SJCEF acknowledges that their valued donors come in many forms and contribute to the Foundation in numerous ways. Donors do not only offer monetary support. Their time, dedicated in the form of tutoring, mentoring, and expertise, is genuinely priceless to the SJCEF and the county. Craig Keating of Leonard’s Studio, has been a prime example of these efforts and was presented with the Joe Gordy Award at the reception for his involvement.

Meryl Goldman, the President of the SJCEF stated, “We would not be successful without our donors who devote their time above anything else. It is such a privilege for me to work for the schools and to improve the quality of life for the whole county.”

Photo credits: © 2011 Historic City News contributed photograph by SJCEF