(Fort Lauderdale, Fla) – Reams and reams of paper and school supplies galore were just waiting for select Broward County Public Schools teachers at Broward Education Foundation’s school supply center thanks to the artistic creativity of three local students.
Georgia-Pacific’s “Call to Canvas” nationwide art contest was hosted in partnership with the Kids In Need Foundation, an organization that provides free school supplies to students and teachers. The students, all from Broward County Public Schools, whose artwork swept the top three honors and prizes in the nation include:
- Justin Deberry: 2nd grade, Parkside Elementary in Coral Springs
- Valentina Prada: 3rd grade, Dolphin Bay Elementary in Miramar
- Alyssa Allen: 7th grade, Glades Middle School in Miramar
Dana Conti, a teacher at Parkside Elementary in Coral Springs said of Broward Education Foundation’s school supply center and the shopping event, “We can provide our students with backpacks and supplies that they don’t have, this is one of the best things for teachers because so many of our students don’t have what they need.”
Broward Education Foundation established its school supply center in 2010 to provide students in need with free school supplies. Teachers at Title I Broward County Public Schools shop free, twice a year, for their students and their classrooms. Since opening its doors, contributions to the school supply center have benefited almost half a million students and teachers. In partnership with Kids in Need Foundation, local businesses and community leaders, Broward Education Foundation annually facilitates the distribution of more than $1.5 million in essential supplies for students in need attending Broward County Public Schools.
“There is a need for supplies throughout the school year,” said Broward Education Foundation Executive Director Shea Ciriago. “With the generosity of partners like Georgia-Pacific and Kids in Need Foundation, we can fulfill that need and equip Broward’s students for success.”
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About the Broward Education Foundation:
Celebrating its 35th Anniversary this year, the nonprofit Broward Education Foundation (BEF) aligns with Broward County Public Schools by providing support for innovative teaching to advance Pre K-12 achievement; critically needed educational materials for Title I school teachers and students, and scholarships for qualified high school seniors. Each year, the Foundation contributes more than $3 million to Broward County schools, serving as the catalyst for educational excellence.
Most recently responding to the Stoneman Douglas High School tragedy, Broward Education Foundation initiated a GoFundMe, established the official Stoneman Douglas Victims’ Fund and raised $10.5M for victims’ families, survivors and those impacted.
For more information visit www.browardedfoundation.org, email BEFInfo@browardschools.com, like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/browardeducationfoundation or follow us on twitter @BrowardEdFound.
