CPSF awards nearly $40,000 to 50 teachers at back-to-school convocation
CONWAY, Ark. (August 16, 2024) ⎯ The Conway Public Schools Foundation awarded $39,109 in support to 50 Conway educators at the district’s back-to-school convocation on Wednesday in Buzz Bolding Arena.
The Foundation’s support includes 48 Classroom Impact Grants totaling $35,409, as well as $2,000 for the District’s Teacher of the Year Abby Roberts of Jim Stone Elementary School, which was co-presented with Conway Corporation, and a $1,700 grant to Jack Begley of Conway High School, the recipient of the Foundation’s Dr. Greg Murry Grant.
“Since 2007, Conway Public Schools Foundation has given more than $200,000 to help the teachers in the Conway School District,” said Executive Director Marti Jones. “This would not be possible without the support of donors, including district employees who give through monthly payroll deduction.”
In addition to the Dr. Greg Murry Grant, three other Foundation grants are named for longtime Conway educators. Anita Reynolds of Ida Burns received the Janet Burks Grant, and Matt Kelly of Ruth Doyle Middle School received the Ed and Linda Dow Grant. This year, AJ Spiridigliozzi received the first grant in honor of the late Kori Bartholomew, a longtime Conway Public Schools supporter, former Conway High School staff member, and mother of two Conway High School Wampus Cats. Each of the named grants was established by family, former colleagues, and friends through gifts totaling a minimum of $15,000 to the Conway Public Schools Foundation’s endowment, which is managed by Arkansas Community Foundation. To learn more about establishing a named teacher grant, email [email protected].
This year’s Classroom Impact Grant winners are Marie Aldrick, Kay Barlow, Jennifer Barnett, Jack Begley, Molly Cline, Claudia Courtway, Amy Dennie, Erika Easley, Rosa Etter, Chuck German, Violeta Gomez, Valarie Griffin, Casey Griffith, Jonathan Gunsolus, Deanna Hasty, Jenna Havlik, Brenda Hendricks, Natalie Horton, Alicia Howard, Allyce Johnson, Matt Kelly, Angela Ladd, Dayna Lewis, Marci Martin, Joseph Martinazzi, Breckenn McClain, Monica Manos, Holly, Martinazzi, Sarah Moore, Shanda New, Catie Overton, Cathleen Palmer, Anna Parks, Ashley Patchell, Hannah Payne, Kristy Polacek, Anita Reynolds, Alisha Ross, Abby Smith, Josh Smith, Kait Smith, Brandon Sorrells, Lindsay Spicer, AJ Spiridigliozzi, Shauna Staff, Jennifer Stevens, CJ Summerville, Kathi Sweere, Bethany Taff, Leslee Tell, Carrie Vick, Johannah Whiting, and Damara Willcutt.
Learn more about Conway Public Schools Foundation at www.cpsfoundation.com/about.