Educational Foundation Celebrates 2020 Annual Gala
Photo — Daily Gazette
On January 16, 2020, The Schenectady City School District Educational Foundation held its annual Education Celebration. Three hours were devoted to celebrating the achievements of students, teachers, volunteers, etc. People enjoyed great food and entertainment, while visiting with the one another.
The annual gala was held to celebrate education and the achievements of the students and staff of the Schenectady City School District. The evening began with an impressive presenting of the colors by the Schenectady High School Junior ROTC Color Guard and a moving moment of silence in memory of two deceased former SCSDEF board members, Karen Johnson and Ray Benenson. The evening was also devoted to reflecting on some of the school district’s achievements and most generous benefactors. The event was catered by The Culinary Arts students of Laura Macey from the Steinmetz Career and Leadership Academy and the music was provided by the Schenectady High School piano students of Krista Hawk.
The Foundation paid tribute to members of the school community with the Crystal Apple Awards, which are given to a community organization that contributes to the education of our students and to a Distinguished Alumnus/a. The Dr. Ray & June Benenson Community Service Award recipients were the Schenectady High School Air Force JR ROTC and Capital Region Sponsor a Scholar. The latter is an organization of volunteers who mentor students in the schools. The Ernie Kahn Outstanding Alumnus recipient was Shane Bargy, Executive Director of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Schenectady. Laura Macey was recognized as the Teacher of the Year. The Schenectady City School District Educational Foundation also recognized the fall recipients of the 2019-20 grants. These winners serve as a valuable reminder of the importance of education and community service.
The mission of the Schenectady City School District Educational Foundation is to provide supplemental funding for the enhancement of learning opportunities for the students in the Schenectady City Public Schools. Since 2006 the foundation has awarded 370 grants worth over $302,000. The evening is a tribute to the students and to the adults who have contributed to that mission.
Readers of this article may support the work of the foundation by joining as volunteers or by making donations. For more information about the foundation and to make a donation visit the foundation’s website at www.scsdeducationfoundation.org or befriend us on Facebook at Schenectady Schools Foundation.
