(Chelsea Update would like to thank April Gasbarre 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.
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 in February
The board consists of 10-15 members whose terms start in June. Time commitments include one regular board meeting per month, 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.
Current CEF President Aubree Shemwell, said, “My experience here on CEF has been very rewarding, as the good deeds have touched so many. This organization started as a small dream for a few parents … and has blossomed into giving back to the community to the sum of $50,000 a year… but there is still a lot more work to be done.”
“I’ve had the privilege of handing out scholarships at awards night to 50 students,” said Aaron Warriner, president-elect. “It’s just incredible. To know that great things start with support of the CEF, like the Chelsea House Orchestra, makes me happy to give my time to this great, local non-profit. I’m proud to be on CEF, and welcome anyone who has a stake in Chelsea student outcomes to join me on the team.”
More than 20 years ago, 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 in 1991 with the creation of the CEF, a non-profit, all-volunteer organization that provides grants to educators and scholarships to students.
In 2013 alone, the CEF helped make 55 students’ dreams of pursuing a college education come true. These students are pursuing degrees in Engineering, Nursing, Teaching, Business, and other fields. They range from young adults just graduating from Chelsea High School to non-traditional students seeking a career change.
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 February gala fundraiser generated over $20,000 that will go directly to this spring’s scholarship awards.
CEF began accepting online scholarship applications on April 1.
And, if you are interested in serving, please contact one of the CEF Board of Directors’ members below:
Aubree Shemwell, president, [email protected], 734-260-2713
Aaron Warriner, vice president and president-elect, [email protected], 734-433-9384, 517-395-8765
Judy Gentz, treasurer, [email protected], 734-645-3517
Melissa Brodbeck, co-secretary, [email protected]
Tara Thorburn, co-secretary, [email protected]
April Gasbarre, [email protected], 724-474-2176
Sandy Inman, [email protected], 734-433-9497
Angie McKinley, [email protected], 734-562-2192
Karen Persello, [email protected], 734-475-1951
Pam VanBuren, [email protected], 734-475-4619
