News

Students, leaders christen new logo, fundraising campaign

Luis Hernandez praises the Leader in Me program during the Education Foundation birthday party. [PHOTO BY CAROLINE ELLIS/Hendersonville Lightning]

By Caroline Ellis, Published: October 14, 2016

Luis Hernandez, a fifth grader at Sugarloaf Elementary, wore a blue and white striped tie to a birthday party for the Henderson County Education Foundation. He stood in front of the gathering at the Historic Courthouse and praised a foundation-sponsored program, The 7 Habits of Happy Kids.
“At Sugarloaf Elementary we talk about legacies.” Hernandez said. “I want to leave a legacy of leadership and kindness at my school. I want to inspire others to leave a legacy of leadership and kindness as well.”
Hernandez and another fifth grader, Leiann Marshall of Dana Elementary, represented the Leader in Me program while Emily Williams thanked the foundation for a music program.
The Berrian Fund benefits students enrolled in strings programs. Through the program, Emily has met musicians her age. It has enabled her to pursue her passion of music.
The Education Foundation celebrated its 30th birthday on Thursday with the endorsements by the public school students, cupcakes and the unveiling of a new logo, featuring a heart inside the symbol of both teaching and Henderson County farm heritage, the apple.
The event included keynote speakers Paul Knott, the foundation’s executive director, and Associate Schools Superintendent John Bryant. County Commissioner Michael Edney read a proclamation honoring the foundation.
HCEF is committed to expanding its programs to all of the elementary schools in Henderson County, but as of now Dana and Sugarloaf Elementary are the only two who have adopted such programs.
The foundation used the milestone to launch a new fundraising initiative, “$30 for 30 years,” to encourage the community to give. All of the proceeds go directly back into the programs the HCEF has established. The celebration was topped off by cupcakes prepared by the Henderson County School System Nutrition Services featuring the new logo in icing.
“It’s been a love of mine to see what people who have resources can do to help other people who don’t,” Knott said. “Every kid in school deserves a change to have a good life and through scholarships and grants to students and these programs we talked about today, the Foundation is a great place to be.”