The Blackstone Valley

Local Educators recognized by the Blackstone Valley Education Foundation

On the evening of Wednesday, May 25th, The Blackstone Valley Education Foundation once again partnered with the Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce Business after Hours at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University for the 2010-2011 Grants to Teachers reception to recognize the creative efforts of our local educators.

The 2010-2011 Grants to Teachers program awarded over $15,000 to 6 area educators. Funding for this grant program came from the generosity of the Lampin Corporation, the 21st annual Golf Tournament sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce to benefit the Education Foundation, and by local businesses & private donors.

Four of out of 6 grant recipients gave a brief presentation of their project and invited attendees to visit their table displays while guests were serenaded by the Clafflin Hill Symphony Orchestra Trio. Blackstone Valley Vocational Technical School (BVT) Dental Assisting students gave the presentation of their project which delivers dental hygiene and awareness programs to middle school students across the Valley. BVT's Alison Fraser displayed an array of soap products developed by students and spoke of the biodiesel product generated from the schools cooking oils. The end result is a natural product which is superior to most store-bought brands. John Cunha represented Millbury High School and spoke of their thriving school store that has enabled students to learn basic marketing techniques, economic concepts as well as management skills and lastly, Northbridge Middle School's Michelle Hazelwood elaborated on their 6th graders who had the opportunity to be introduced to financial literacy.

Other projects included Hopedale High School's Codes & Ciphers in Math Part II, in which they've partnered with Raytheon engineers to work to analyze data, patterns and sequences to decipher codes and solve real life problems. Lastly, 12 Blackstone Valley School Districts initiated a unique professional development effort in consultancy with the Education Foundation to help students identify their unique talent and goals and connect them with academic preparation and career success.

The Blackstone Valley Education Foundation funds proposals that include connections between academic preparation and career skills, collaboration with schools, businesses, and community organizations, and catalysts that reveal to students their passion for a career. These grantees developed creative projects to support those goals. We applaud their efforts and enthusiasm.

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About the Education Foundation

The Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce Education Foundation, Inc. is the not-for-profit umbrella organization for all Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce school-business related activities and cultural programs. Our Mission: To lead and support education that promotes workforce development and enhances the quality of life in the Blackstone Valley.