The Huntington Foundation is back! Under the leadership of new president, Jen Stevens, the organization is looking forward to making an impact in the 2021/22 school year.
The group has created a new logo this year, designed by Huntington Foundation for Excellence in Education executive board member Tara Poli. The organization has also redesigned and updated its website, which can be found at www.huntingtonfoundation.org.
Huntington Foundation board members are currently planning and organizing their annual gala, which will be held in the spring. The party will include presentation of twin Spirit Awards to one district and one community honoree. Details regarding the special event will be announced soon.
The organization honored Woodhull Intermediate School teacher Allison Von Vange at its March 2020 gala along with Bon Bons Chocolatier’s owners, Mary Alice and Susannah Meinersman. Held at The Mansion at Oyster Bay, the gala raised thousands of dollars. Within days of the event, Huntington UFSD and districts across the state and nation shifted to distance learning at the COVID-19 pandemic struck.
Despite two years of pandemic related challenges, the Huntington Foundation was still able to award over $30,000 in grant monies to the district, covering such initiatives that range from the high school’s video broadcasting program to a computer prototyping lab at J. Taylor Finley Middle School.
HFEE also funded flexible seating for the Woodhull fifth grade dual language program as well as speech and heart health programs at Jack Abrams STEM Magnet School.
The Huntington Foundation also awarded a grant for an innovative rhythm-based whole brain learning program at Flower Hill Primary School.
Last June, HFEE presented a $2,500 scholarship to graduating senior Bliden Martinez, who is studying at Suffolk Community College and who hopes to become a social studies teacher.
The organization has begun planning for its 2021/22 grant application process. Details will be available soon.
The Huntington Foundation for Excellence in Education (HFEE) is a non-profit corporation dedicated to enhancing educational opportunities for all students in the Huntington school district. Founded in 1993, it enriched Huntington UFSD by donating more than $1 million in grants aimed at improving student experiences on every grade level.
This year’s executive board consists of Jennifer Stevens (president), Meghan Knieriem (chief financial officer), Jennifer Hebert (vice president-grants), Laura Cheshire (vice president-grants), Michele Sabatino (secretary), Andrea Boccard (vice president-public relations), Kristine Colleluori (vice president-development) and Tara Poli (vice president-development). The board of directors includes Debbie Knowles (youth board coordinator), Toniann Mangan (PTA liaison), Alice Marie Rorke, Janine Luca (meeting coordinator) and Amy Girimonti (assistant vice president-development).
In addition to the members of the board of directors, HFEE is aided by a youth board Victoria Mangan, Mary Grace Rorke, Charles Girimonti, Charlotte Cheshire and Morgan Colleluori. Ms. Mangan and Ms. Rorke are interning with the organization.
Huntington High School students who are interested in joining the Huntington Foundation Youth Board should speak to their guidance counselor.
Supported by a cast of generous sponsors, the Huntington Foundation welcomes any new supporters interested in joining the fold.
Interested in joining the HFEE Board? Send a message to hfeeonline@gmail.com.
