Education Foundation recognizes donors Posted On: Wednesday, Nov. 4 2009 04:59 AM By Rebecca LaFlure
Killeen Daily Herald

The Killeen Independent School District Education Foundation raised $101,000 this school year to fund creative projects aimed to enhance students' love of learning.

The foundation recognized its top donors and the teachers who implement its grants Tuesday during the nonprofit's annual celebration luncheon at the Killeen Civic and Conference Center.

Foundation members hope to gather an additional $64,000 by May. KISD employees raised

about $19,500 this school year through fundraisers held in each of KISD's schools.

"Someday these children will be in charge of my Social Security," said Debbie McKinney, the KISD Education Foundation president. "Our goal is to inspire every educator to provide a profound learning experience for every student."

Melinda Wright, a teacher at Clear Creek Elementary School, was the event's big winner. She received the Innovator of the Year award and the Charles Patterson Living Legacy Scholarship.

The foundation selected Wright for the Innovator award for her Kaleidoscope of Culture project, funded by a grant. As a part of the project, Clear Creek students traveled to a mock United Nations event in Dallas to discuss and debate world issues and vote on resolutions.

Since 2001, 700 grants have been awarded to KISD staff totaling more than $750,000. Previous grants funded classroom iPods so students could learn how to make podcasts or interactive computer software that improved students' literary skills.

"The Education Foundation promotes passion," KISD Superintendent Robert Muller said. "Behind all innovative grants, is a passionate teacher who influences not just their classroom but illuminates everyone else."

KISD officials also said goodbye to Dawn Parnell, who's served as director of the foundation since 2001. Parnell is leaving the district in December.

Contact Rebecca LaFlure at rlaflure@kdhnews.com or (254) 501-7548.