Photos by RR Best
SCEF Awards
The Sullivan Community Education Foundation held its annual District Staff Appreciation Dinner funded by the SCEDF on March 19 where $26,897 in grants were awarded to the Sullivan community and school district. Pictured, above, (from left to right) are the major grant award winners which included the Moultrie County Counseling Center represented by David Cole and Katrina Shain ($1,250 for basic self-defense and personal safety classes); SHS science teacher John Bertetto ($2,000 for human anatomical models) and the SES second grade teachers represented by Leslie Auten, Melissa Haegen, Ashley Christensen, and Danielle Braiding ($14,969 for 30 iPad air tablets with cases and charging cabinets). Pictured, below, are the minor grant award winners, which included student Wesley Standerfer and SES teacher Lynette Rotramel ($650 for a Nikon camera, tripod, and replacement insurance for school newspaper); Elizabeth Titus Library represented by Michelle Nolan ($500 Summer Reading Program); SMS teacher Marissa Wright ($900 for Canon T3i for SMS yearbook); SES social worker Poppy Graham ($800 for iPad and apps); SES second grade teachers represented by Haegen, Braiding, Christenson and Auten ($990 for Lexia Core 5 software for second graders); the Moultrie County Beacon represented by Kari Ruppert ($998 for two Wi-Fi iPad tablets); SHS athletic department represented by Chester Reeder ($501.38 for upgrade of SHS weight room); SES speech and language teachers represented by Jessica Reeder and Ann Osthoff ($930 for two iPad Air Tablets); Central Illinois Public Transit represented by Jennifer Moore ($960 for one day bus trips for senior citizens); SES special education teacher Christine Grohler ($950 for Hand in Hand Kids Summer Autism Camp); and the Sullivan preschool represented by Tonya Rose ($500 for two iPad minis). The Sullivan Community Education Foundation was formed in 1995. The mission statement of the Foundation is “to promote lifelong learning opportunities in its community and schools”.  The board is comprised of community and school district men and women who oversee the awarding of major and mini grants each year.  Since the formation, the SCEF has awarded more than $450,000 in grants.  This money is not tax money but funds obtained by donations and fund-raising.