(Chelsea Update would like to thank Aaron Warriner for the information in this story.)
The Chelsea Education Foundation (CEF) is accepting applications for its board of directors to serve a 3-year term, and the deadline to apply is July 20..
Over the course of a year, the board undertakes three chief tasks:
In the spring, they evaluate scholarship applications and award scholarships
In the fall, they evaluate educational grant applications and award grants
In the winter, they prepare for and host the annual gala, which last took place on April 24, 2015
The board consists of up to 15 members whose terms start in September. Time commitments include one regular board meeting per month (typically two hours), one additional meeting for grant application evaluations (for those who serve on that committee) and one additional meeting for scholarship application evaluations (for those who serve on that committee). All members are expected to participate in gala planning and execution.
Outgoing CEF President Aaron Warriner, said, “CEF is really an incredible story and a difference maker in this community. I’ve been honored to serve the community for the past three years. Having young children, I know my children and their classmates will benefit from CEF in countless ways. My experience here on CEF has been very rewarding. It’s incredible to think that since 1998, CEF has distributed 706 scholarships valued at $506,775, and 482 community grants valued at $376,510 … imagine being a part of that.”
“I’m proud to be on CEF, and welcome anyone who has a stake in Chelsea student outcomes to join the team,” he said.
This year, CEF celebrated its 25 year anniversary, when former Chelsea School District Superintendent Joe Piasecki had a vision to enhance the educational opportunities available to members of the Chelsea community. That vision became a reality with the creation of the CEF, a non-profit, all-volunteer organization that provides grants to educators and scholarships to students.
This year, CEF distributed 65 scholarship checks to current and past CHS graduates pursuing a college education. These students are pursuing degrees in Engineering, Nursing, Teaching, Business, and other fields. In addition to scholarship recipients, thousands more residents-from preschoolers to senior citizens-benefit from CEF grants to public schools and private institutions that enrich our entire community. From clubs that foster leadership and mentoring in our schools, to field trips that imbue students with a sense of history and civic pride, to inter-generational programs that enrich young and old alike, these grants facilitate programs and projects that might not otherwise be possible.
None of this work would be achievable without businesses and individuals who understand and support the vital role of lifelong learning. Chief among these are the board members, who come from all walks of life: small business owners, teachers and school administrators, parents, retirees, and working professionals. In short, anyone who is interested in fostering a culture of lifelong learning in this community will find a rewarding role on this board.
Thanks to the generosity of donors, attendees, and sponsors, this all-volunteer organization’s April gala fundraiser generated more than $33,000 in revenue that will fund operating expenses and grant disbursements.
And, if you are interested in serving, please contact one of the CEF Board of Directors’ members below no later than July 20.
Aaron Warriner, president, [email protected], 734-433-9384 or 517-395-8765
Tara Thorburn, vice president, [email protected]
Karen Persello, secretary, [email protected], 734-475-1951
Meagan Westcott, treasurer, [email protected]
Tonya Gietzen, president-elect, [email protected], 734-562-2029 or 734-904-3981
Jennifer Smith, vice president-elect, [email protected], 517-817-0820 or 734-395-4302
Edith Donnell, secretary-elect, [email protected], 734-475-8732 or 734-730-7965
Other board members continuing into the second year of their term include Sam Baushke (Scholarship chair), Jennifer Blanton, Beau Carson (Grants chair), Sara James, Leslie Lewis, Kimber Sipperley (Sponsorships chair), and Niki Sciackitano.
