Chamber recognizes exemplary students, work of schools foundation
The Homewood Chamber of Commerce celebrated Homewood City Schools at its April 21 luncheon.
Chamber President Merrick Wilson and HCS Superintendent Bill Cleveland awarded one exemplary student from each school an achievement award during the event. These students were:
- John Okumu Anyiko, Edgewood Elementary
- Windham Hewitt, Hall-Kent Elementary
- Bella Nichols, Shades Cahaba Elementary
- Ryan Shepler, Homewood Middle
- Kailyn Gibbs, Homewood High
Gibbs will also receive a scholarship for college; she plans to attend Auburn University in the fall.
Also at the luncheon, Homewood City Schools Foundation’s president and executive director spoke about the role of the organization supporting the schools.
President Julie Keith said that the role of the foundation has grown as state funding for the school system has decreased. Over the past couple of years, the foundation has ramped up its branding, including a new website; started two annual fundraisers, a Homewood Grown dinner and a Grateful Dads music event at a brewery; and reached out to parents and community members more to ask for donations.
“It takes all of us working together,” Keith said.
After showing a video about teachers recognized at the recent Homewood Grown event, foundation Director Amy McRae said the foundation has more than 450 new donors in the past three years. She also described grants that are awarded to teachers each spring to award them funds for innovative ideas they have submitted to the foundation. Last year the foundation awarded $85,000 in grants.
The foundation has recently funded a Book Flicks programs in all three elementary schools, National Board Certification fees for teachers and Chromebooks for Homewood Middle School, among other projects.
The next Homewood Chamber of Commerce meeting will be May 19 at 11:30 a.m. at The Club. For more information visit homewoodchamber.com.