GESF Newsletter Spring 2024

The Alumni Hall of Fame was established in January 2024 by a committee of community members, representatives of USD 231, and the Gardner Edgerton Schools Foundation. The purpose of the Hall of Fame is to honor graduates from Edgerton Rural High School, Gardner High School, and Gardner Edgerton High School. The Hall of Fame will recognize and honor alumni who have placed their alma mater in a positive light by their outstanding work and/or contributions in their community or profession. Nominees must have demonstrated outstanding citizenship during their post-high school life.

The honorees will be recognized informally at halftime of the GEHS football game on September 6th. The formal induction will take place in the high school commons on Saturday, September 7th, beginning at 9:00 AM. Save the date on your calendar. Event is open to the public. Congratulations to our inaugural HOF class.

The WE CARE Fund has one goal in mind - to assist students, staff, and USD 231 families during difficult times. Below are a few examples from second semester where the Foundation supported members of our school district family. Other examples include assisting families with rent, utilities, and gasoline. The WE CARE Fund is supported through revenue generated from the annual cornhole tournament that takes place in October.

Our schools are amazing. Why? We have dedicated staff members like our secretaries, food service personnel, custodians, para educators, nurses, and maintenance/grounds crew. These VIPs were celebrated at KC Wine Co with appetizers, drinks, and prizes (cash, paid day off, massage, facial) on April 11th. Our presenting sponsors were Stormy Meyer of Keller Williams Realty, Newkirk Novak Construction Partners. Security 1st Title also supported the event. Over 150 classified staff members enjoyed this special event hosted by the Gardner Edgerton Schools Foundation.

The GESF co-hosted a golf tournament with the Gardner Chamber of Commerce at Prairie Highlands on April 15th. We had 108 golfers along with nearly 30 sponsors. Proceeds go toward initiatives and programming of the Foundation. If you know of someone or a business that would like to participate next year as a player or sponsor, please have them contact Tim Brady at bradyt@usd231.com.

USD 231 teachers were awarded $20,000 in teaching & learning grants for the 2023-24 school year. These grants provided funds to support initiatives in the classroom that impact the education of children. Below are just a few pictures of the grants in action from second semester. Grant applications will be available next school year in early September. Grants are available due to the generous support of our partners.

At the March 4th Board of Education meeting, the school district was awarded two 'big checks' to support two ongoing initiatives. The Foundation will continue to partner with the district in providing $500 stipends to new teachers to the profession and the 2024 USD 231 Convocation/New Teacher Academy. At the same BOE meeting, two Platinum partners were honored: Ameritime and retired social studies teacher Charles Barnett.

In less than two years the Foundation has been blessed with individuals, alumni, retirees, businesses, and organizations who support our mission of supporting students and staff in USD 231. If you know of persons who would like to partner with us, please contact Tim Brady at bradyt@usd231.com. To learn more about giving levels click here. Scan the QR code to make a one-time or monthly contribution to help expand the outreach of the Foundation!

• Platinum - $10,000+
• Valedictorian - $7,500
• Salutatorian - $5,000
• Scholar - $2,500
• Honor Roll - $1,000