Newsletter: Winter 2025
In the month dedicated to love, our hearts are bursting with gratitude for our partners in education who have helped advance our mission of enriching the educational experience of every Kennett Consolidated School District (KCSD) student. From our dedicated volunteers who invest countless hours to ensure that every dollar raised supports our programs, to our sponsors who generously fund education grants and student scholarships, the Kennett Education Foundation is powered by the community, for the community.
Read on to see how your contributions have made a meaningful impact on the KCSD teachers, students and schools. Better yet, consider sharing your talents and skills by becoming a volunteer with the Kennett Education Foundation. Together we can support KCSD and invest in the future of our community!
SCHOLARSHIPS & AWARDS
Where are they now?
Jorge Leon-Silva, Kennett High School Class of 2023
For Jorge Leon, paying it forward is a personal mission. As the recipient of the Kennett Education Foundation’s STEPS to Success Scholarship in 2023, Jorge still finds it hard to believe that he was selected among so many deserving applicants. He credits the remarkable support from Kennett High School staff members Dr. DeAngelis, Mrs. Chase, and Mrs. August-Ruffin for inspiring him to stay on track with his education, a journey that he admits was not always certain.
Coming from a hardworking family with various trade careers, Jorge knew that he wanted to pursue a similar path after graduation. “I’m the kind of person who needs to be doing something active,” he explains. However, figuring out where to start was another challenge. With guidance from KHS Counselor Mrs. Chase during his senior year, Jorge began exploring vocational school options and the necessary scholarships and financial aid that could help him achieve his goals. Encouraged by her support, Jorge decided to apply for the STEPS to Success Scholarship—a decision that changed everything.
Thanks to the STEPS to Success Scholarship, Jorge was able to cover the tuition costs for a Certificate of Proficiency in the Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (HVAC&R) occupations program at Delaware County Community College (DCCC). The scholarship also helped him purchase essential tools, which he put to good use after graduating from DCCC and starting his new job as a Service Technician at R&D Heating and Cooling. As fate would have it, Jorge and Dr. DeAngelis crossed paths during his first week on the job, bringing his experience in the Kennett Consolidated School District full circle.
With two younger siblings in the Kennett Consolidated School District—one who is currently a freshman at Kennett High School—Jorge has taken on the role of a mentor. He encourages his siblings to ask for help and stay motivated, no matter how challenging things may become. Jorge is dedicated to helping them stay on the right path to achieve their own success after graduation, just like he did.
GRANTS IN ACTION
A Colorful Legacy
Meghan Bergman, Art Teacher at Bancroft Elementary
As one of the newer buildings in the Kennett Consolidated School District, Bancroft Elementary presents a blank canvas. For an art teacher like Meghan Bergman, this opportunity was too good to pass up.
Through a Promising Practices grant from the Kennett Education Foundation, Mrs. Bergman embarked on an artistic mission in the Spring of 2024, to create a mosaic that would not only reflect the pride the Bancroft community has for its school, but the collective effort of its students to come together to create something truly special. “In a world of fast technology and quick how-to videos, it’s easy to forget how much time and effort go into creating something meaningful. This project reminded us of the importance of patience and hard work.”
The process to create a large-scale project like the Bancroft mosaic began with some sketches and brainstorming, with each class assigned a different theme to explore such as earth science, outer space, books, math, sports, art and even the lunchroom. The paper drawings were then used as templates to create the same shapes in clay. Once the clay tiles were made, students painted them in colorful glazes.The entire process took all year, with many firings in the kiln to complete the 3 x 15 feet mosaic.
If you look closely at the upper left corner of the Bancroft mosaic, you’ll notice a hidden message that says, “You can rule the world.” (The word “You” is represented by a “U” shaped magnet, the yellow ruler represents “rule,” and the earth and planets represent “the world.”) I want our students to know that with a strong education from the Kennett Consolidated School District, they can reach for the stars and accomplish their dreams.
Meghan Bergman
SAVE THE DATE:
2025 SPRING SOIRÉE
Annual Spring Soirée May 2, 2025 7 p.m.–10 p.m. The Greathouse at Loch Nairn Farm
Save the date for an evening of food, dancing, and fun...all in the name of education grants and student scholarships for the Kennett Consolidated School District. This is THE event of the Spring so you definitely don't want to miss it!
SPONSORSHIPS EXPAND THE BOUNDARIES OF EDUCATION
Corporate and community sponsors play a pivotal role in advancing our mission to invest in the future of our students. With almost $1.5 million dollars raised for education grants and student scholarships since 2001, the Kennett Education Foundation can help fill in the gaps in the school budget every year to support a myriad of programs across the education spectrum, reaching every corner of the district. If you are a KCSD parent and a business owner, become a Kennett Education Foundation Sponsor…it’s a win-win!
The Kennett Education Foundation awarded $57,000 in education grants to 79 teachers across the district in 2024.
As both a parent and a sponsor of the Kennett Education Foundation (KEF), I have witnessed firsthand the profound impact that our support has on students and teachers in the Kennett Consolidated School District. Financial House's sponsorship has provided meaningful opportunities for students to explore their potential and for teachers to enhance their classroom experiences. We are most proud to have donated funding which helped support the “Budget Challenge” grant which teaches students real life budgeting and financial planning for their household. This partnership has not only allowed us to give back to our community but has also offered significant visibility for our business through KEF's events and communications. By aligning with KEF, we’ve not only invested in the future of education but also strengthened our connection with the community.
KEF KUDOS
Let’s recognize and celebrate our outstanding Kennett Consolidated School District faculty and staff members for all that they do for our students each and every day.
Here's how you can help:
1. Click on the KEF Kudos button below. 2. Fill out a short form. 3. Click “Submit.”
That’s it. We’ll take care of the rest. Your honoree will receive a KEF Kudos certificate and will be recognized at one of our staff appreciation events held throughout the school year.
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