By John Tatara | Bomber Media
The Kenston Foundation has been raising funds this year to assist Kenston faculty and families by awarding educational grants and student scholarships.
Some of 2021-2022’s fundraising efforts include Taco Tuesdays with Moe’s Southwest Grill, selling flower bouquets and notes at school performance nights, and their online donation fundraiser through SNAP Raise, which is currently underway. More fundraisers are set to come this month, such as March Madness basketball squares.
“The Kenston Foundation could not continue to support the district without generous donations from parents, business partners, and community members,” said Kenston Foundation President Mrs. Hazle-Oakes.
Over the years, the Foundation has raised over $200,000 all time for teacher grants. These grants have been awarded to provide items such as virtual reality equipment, ceramic kilns, and Spikeball sets to classroom teachers. The Foundation will select this year’s teachers that will receive valuable grants on March 11.
The Foundation also prides itself on offering scholarships each year to award and financially assist graduating Kenston seniors. These awards usually range from between $500-1250, and the foundation has given over $500,000 in total to seniors over the years.
Seniors who choose to compete for these scholarships have to go through an interview process in front of the scholarship committee.
“We expect students to dress professionally, be on time, have eye contact, and be ready to answer questions about their essays and themselves,” said Hazle-Oakes.
The Kenston Foundation has operated as a 501(c3) non-profit corporation since their creation in 1983, meaning they commit to donating all revenue to school-related causes. They continue to be a community-focused organization that gives back to Kenston staff and families in return for their generous support.▮
一
John Tatara is a multimedia reporter for Bomber Media and a senior at Kenston High School.