November 2024 Quarterly Newsletter
Notable Happenings
Our Response to Hurricane Helene
In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, HCEF quickly established the Hurricane Relief Fund. We have raised approximately $68,000, supplemented by $60,000 in grants from the Community Foundation of WNC and the WNC Bridge Foundation, to support Henderson County Public Schools (HCPS) in both immediate and long-term recovery efforts. Superintendent Mark Garrett expressed his gratitude, highlighting the community’s generosity and the ongoing need for support. A portion of the funds will target long-term needs, including gas cards, beds, and essential household items.
Clothing for Students: Of the funds, $48,000 was designated for clothing and shoes for displaced students. We collaborated with Walmart, school officials, and volunteers to ensure students were supported and empowered students to choose their own clothing and shoes. Transportation was arranged by bus and newly acquired HCPS vans.
Spring Fund: Each year, every HCPS principal receives $1,000 from HCEF’s Spring Fund. This year, with additional grant support, we increased the total to $46,000 for the district. These funds, used at the principals’ discretion, will be used to meet emergent needs of students. The Hurricane Relief Fund ensures principals can address both immediate and long-term needs.
Community Support: A middle school student from Lincoln County Middle School organized a project that donated over 300 coats, each with an encouraging note. Communities in Schools in Randolph County provided school supplies, clothing, hygiene products, and household goods. Oklawaha Brewery also contributed coats and other items.
High Schools: Hendersonville High School promoted relief initiatives during a football game, West Henderson High School is dedicating the proceeds from the Mr. WHHS Pageant to hurricane relief, and East Henderson High School is hosting a benefit concert featuring their student Garage Band.
Give Thanks, Give Dinner: With community support we raised nearly $10,000 to purchase food for Thanksgiving boxes. We distributed 340 Thanksgiving boxes to HCPS families. Boxes included a turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, mac and cheese, and more!
These inspiring acts of generosity remind us of our community’s strength and resilience. We are deeply grateful to everyone who has contributed. Thank you for making a difference.
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Board & Organization Updates
High School Berrian Concert Rescheduled
The Berrian concert, originally scheduled for earlier this fall, was successfully held on Saturday, November 2, at Hendersonville High School. Community members gathered to celebrate the musical talent of our students, with all four high school orchestras performing under the mentorship of visiting guest musicians.
This concert was made possible by the Berrian Fund, established in 2004 from the Mae A. Berrian Trust. The fund supports the strings programs in Henderson County Public Schools, benefiting over 500 middle and high school students annually through advanced instruction, competitions, and college preparation.
Golf Tournament Canceled
This year’s golf tournament at Champion Hills was canceled due to Hurricane Helene. We are deeply thankful to the generous businesses and individuals who contributed to support our educational programs. These resources will now strengthen our efforts for students and families throughout Henderson County. Your understanding and continued support mean so much to us.
HCPP Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
We are thrilled to announce the ribbon-cutting for the Henderson County Pathfinders Program (HCPP) on September 25 at East Henderson High School! This initiative pairs 7th-12th graders with mentors for academic and personal growth. Starting at Flat Rock Middle and East Henderson High, we aim to expand county-wide as funds allow. Mentors provide guidance, observe behavior changes, and report to school staff for timely intervention.
Special thanks to our community mentors for making a significant difference. We appreciate everyone who celebrated this milestone with us.
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Programs & Initiatives
Scholarship Portal Opens
The scholarship window for Henderson County students opened on December 8! Our scholarships cater to various interests and fields of study, including the Grow Our Own Scholarship, which is designed for those pursuing a career in education. Last year, we awarded a total of $92,500 in scholarships to 42 graduating seniors from Henderson County Public Schools.
Starting new scholarships in honor or memory of someone is a wonderful way to celebrate their legacy and make a lasting impact on future generations. We encourage all eligible students to apply and invite anyone interested in creating a scholarship to reach out for more information.
For more details about our scholarships, click the button below to be directed to our scholarship page.
SCHOLARSHIPS
Educator Mini-Grants
For the second year in a row, we offered educators the chance to apply for mini-grants of up to $500 to enhance learning through special projects, field trips, and professional development.
Our board reviewed over 100 applications, ultimately funding 71 projects across 21 schools. In upcoming newsletters, we’ll feature some of the innovative initiatives made possible by these grants!
To sustain this valuable program, we rely on support from our community. Your contributions make these opportunities a reality, enriching education for students throughout Henderson County.
MINI GRANTS
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Educator Highlight:
In the wake of Hurricane Helene, the collaborative efforts of Shannon Auten, the HCPS Student Services Director; Kayla Castro, the District Leadership Coach who stepped into a temporary role to coordinate support and resources; and Scott Masington, the Director of School Safety, have made a significant impact on the lives of students and families in Henderson County. Their unwavering commitment to service has exemplified the true spirit of community during these challenging times.
With the funds raised by the HCEF and the grant money written to support recovery efforts, Shannon Auten has been instrumental in ensuring that every student and family affected by the disaster receives the necessary resources. Her leadership has facilitated the distribution of essential items, such as clothing and school supplies, creating a safety net for those navigating the aftermath of the hurricane.
Kayla Castro stepped up to temporarily coordinate support and resources, skillfully bringing together community partners to respond swiftly and effectively to the needs of students and families. Through her dedication to fostering collaboration, Kayla has ensured that the initiatives funded by HCEF’s efforts directly impact those who need it most, empowering families to regain stability and confidence.
Scott Masington played a vital role in promoting fundraising efforts and collaborating with Shannon and Kayla on the Walmart project, which provided students with the opportunity to select clothing and shoes. His efforts helped raise awareness and support for the needs of the community, ensuring a coordinated response that addressed both immediate and long-term challenges.
Together, Shannon, Kayla, and Scott represent the dedication and resilience of HCPS in the face of adversity. Their collaborative efforts, utilizing the funds raised and grant money, have not only provided essential resources but have also fostered a sense of hope and community spirit. As we honor their remarkable contributions, we celebrate their commitment to ensuring that every student and family in Henderson County receives the support they need to thrive.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
- January 22, 2025 – Coffee and Conversations
- March 28, 2025 – Sporting Clays Tournament
- April 29, 2025 – Education Celebration
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Lunch Note From Peggy
Education Hall of Fame Nomination Window
The nomination window for the Henderson County Education Foundation’s Education Hall of Fame is open from now until January 6th! This prestigious recognition honors individuals who have made significant contributions to education in Henderson County.
Each year, up to five inductees are selected, with over 140 educators and supporters already honored since the Hall’s inception in 2003. This is a wonderful opportunity to acknowledge those who have dedicated their lives to fostering educational excellence. I look forward to celebrating the contributions of our future inductees at the annual gala on April 29, 2025, at Point Lookout, our new venue, as Jeter Mountain will be closed for construction.
HENDERSON COUNTY EDUCATION HALL OF FAME
Special Thanks
I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to our board members for their tremendous support following the recent hurricane. Their commitment to the community has been remarkable, as they have come together to fundraise, volunteer at distribution sites, and provide essential services like internet access, water bottles, and translation assistance for families. Your dedication truly makes a difference in the lives of those affected by this disaster, and I appreciate your efforts to help our community remain resilient during these challenging times. Thank you for being the backbone of the Henderson County Education Foundation!
Together, let’s continue to uplift and support education in our community.
Give the gift of Learning!