School Foundation Announces Award Selections
7/5/08
Awards from the Fenton Area Public Schools Education Foundation (FAPSEF), which will be presented at the organization's annual "Black Tie Dinner" on Sept. 4, have been announced. (read more)
The recipients are longtime Fenton teachers Bob and Toadie Middleton, who will receive the Edward H. & Nancy E. Petruska Lifetime Achievement In Education Award.
Russell H. VanGilder, owner of VG's Food Center, Inc., which includes 17 stores, will be awarded The State Bank Community Contribution to Education Award. A graduate of Fenton High School, he is a member of the Fenton High School Alumni Association (FHSAA) Hall of Fame.
Joseph Kryza, president of the foundation, said, "FAPSEF enjoys honoring the tradition of teaching in Fenton and the Middletons were exemplary educators in the Fenton Schools.
"It's difficult to imagine a program in the school that has not benefited from Russ VanGilder and his company's Community Share Program.
"Many FHS students have been mentored by the VanGilder family through working in his stores."
"I was humbled when I heard we were receiving the award," said Toadie. "I had no clue, I cried."
Bob said, "I was lost for words, humbled and honored. It is beyond our wildest dreams. You can never pay back, you can only pay forward."
"I'm honored and pleased to receive this award, but I never look for any personal accolades," said VanGilder.
The Community Share Program that he instituted has been very successful, as it gives back to the community. Cash register receipts are returned for cash. In the 20 years it has been in place, it has provided funds for Fenton Schools' classes and organizations within the system.
Source: Tri-County Times
Education Foundation Reports Recent Achievements
6/25/08
On Monday, Patricia Lockwood, a member of the Fenton Area Public Schools Education Foundation (FAPSEF), reported to the Board of Education achievements of the foundation during the 2007-08 academic year. (read more)
The foundation, which obtains contributions for the Fenton schools through philanthropic and volunteer support, noted a 25 percent increase in grants to teachers and programs in the past year, exceeding $11,200, according to Lockwood.
"We agreed to donate $10,000 to the International Baccalaureate Program for the next four years," said Lockwood. "We formed a committee of over 30 community members to assist with the understanding funding of the International Baccalaureate program into the future."
The foundation also started the Athletic Foundation, lead by former Fenton High School principal and athletic director Ken Wensel, and current athletic director Mike Bakker. FAPSEF hopes to develop an arts foundation in 2009.
The foundation, which was started in 2005, received official 501(cX3) nonprofit status in 2006 and has awarded $37,500 in grants since its inception. Its board consists of 18 community members, teachers, administrators and civic leaders from the community.
Source: Tri-County Times
'World Fair' - Fundraiser Delights, Enlightens
7/5/08
Despite being the first fundraising event, organizers of the 2008 World Fair, held Saturday at Tomek-Eastern Elementary School, were pleased with the turnout. (read more)
The World Fair was held as a fundraiser for the International Baccalaureate (IB) program. The goal of the organizers is to ensure that funding is available for Fenton students to receive the best possible education programs, such as IB.
Other school districts promoting IB are International Academy in Bloomfield Hills, H.H. Dow High School in Midland, Detroit Country Day School in Beverly Hills and Portage school district in Portage.
Approximately 350 people, of all ages, attended the World Fair on Saturday afternoon. As the children arrived, they were given a travel bag and cutout face masks that they decorated and carried throughout the school. As they entered any one of the eight countries they were given a colored tag to attach to their mask.
Interesting information was on display in each of the rooms and activities provided those attending a "global experience."
Youngsters walking into the room set up as the country of Canada got a glimpse of hockey greats, among other things.
Walking into the room set up as the country of France, guests immediately felt like they were visiting the city of Paris. As an activity, children had their palms painted with red, white and blue stripes, which were then pressed down onto a sheet of paper to make a flag.
The distinct sounds of drums could be heard coming out of the cafeteria as Kevin Collins and his African Dance Troupe put on several performances. Dancers, wearing authentic African clothing, told stories with their rhythm and music. Local children and a few, brave adults even gave the dance steps a try, side-by-side with the African dancers.
Those walking into the India room were treated to the local music and an authentic, story-telling dance performed by Induvadana, whose name means "Moon" and "Face." Hand-painted henna tattoos were a popular activity while Induvadana danced.
Antonio Zayas, a second-grader at Tomek, stood motionless while he had a henna tattoo painted on his hand. Antonio said he had visited every country and enjoyed India the most as he was on his second visit there.
Antonio's father, Anthony, said he and his family enjoyed everything about the World Fair. "It's the best. It's awesome.
"It brings an understanding of the other countries."
The sights and sounds, and numerous delicious treats awaited all visitors as they sampled local recipes in every room. Those visiting the Russian room also got a chance to play with an assortment of colorful Matrushkas, or nesting dolls. These toys are the most famous Russian toys and symbolize the country.
Brooke Holvick helped out in the room representing Russia. Her son, Jacob attends North Road Elementary School and is the designer of the official 2008 World Fair T-shirt. As a mother, and an expectant mother, Holvick said the whole concept of the IB program at Fenton is wonderful. She said not only will her son, Jacob, benefit, her baby will benefit, too.
Holvick said the group working on the World Fair is a very motivated group. "We'll just go up from here.
"It's very exciting."
Cochairing the event were Melissa Taylor, Jennifer Horton and Jen Koester. Koester said, as part of the Fenton Area Public Schools Education Foundation (FAPSEF), they were on the IB committee to organize the World Fair.
Koester said the main goal of the World Fair was to raise awareness of the IB program and to get the kids and community involved. "I think we did that," she said, adding that the number of tickets sold on Saturday far exceeded the committee's expectations.
Comments Koester and the other cochairs heard throughout the day and thereafter were all positive. Koester said she believes Saturday's World Fair turned out great for the first one and said it was rewarding to see that many people were enjoying themselves enough to stay there the entire time.
Source: Tri-County Times
Huff Named to FHS Athletic Hall of Fame
5/27/08
Harold "Powder" Huff, a 1961 graduate of Fenton High School has been named to the Fenton High School Athletic Hall of Fame, sanctioned by Fenton Area Public Schools Education Foundation (FAPSEF). He received his nickname from his grandfather. (read more)
Huff, who died in 1984 following a battle with cancer, will be inducted posthumously Thursday, June 19 at a dinner and ceremony at Fenton's Andrew G. Schmidt Middle School.
Huff, the son of Doris Huff and the late Harold Huff, grew up in Fenton and excelled in four sports at Fenton High School: football, basketball, baseball and track.
"I think it's very nice that he's been selected, he would have been proud," said his mother. "I had to drive him to many sports-related events when his dad was working. I remember taking him to Canada when he ran in the CANUSA games."
After graduation, Huff attended Iowa State University on a football scholarship. He later worked for Consumers Power Company.
Source: Tri-County Times
School to Host 'World Fair' Event
4/29/08
The Fenton Area Public Schools Education Foundation (FAPSEF) is hosting a special event to raise awareness and funds for the International Baccalaureate (IB) program. (read more)
The first annual 2008 World Fair will be held at Tomek-Eastern Elementary School on Saturday, May 17, from 12 to 4 p.m. Families in this area and surrounding communities are invited to attend.
"It is an educational experience, but presented in a 'fun' way," said Jennifer Koester, co-coordinator of the event.
The 2008 World Fair is a showcase of eight countries from around the world. Children and their families will have the opportunity to experience the culture of each country in a variety of ways. There will be games, crafts, music and food from each country.
"The families will learn about other cultures from around the world in a very hands-on and multi-sensory way," said Koester.
"Our goal is to encourage a sense of global-mindedness and spread the word about IB to our community."
Tickets will include live musical entertainment from Kevin Collins, a respected percussionist who will share his love of African music. Children and adults will learn what a deJembe (African drum) is and get the chance to play it.
Michigan born author Aunt Judy will give a presentation of her book, "Chickens on the Go."
Koester said Little Professor, a local book store, will be holding an international book fair at the event, of which part of the proceeds will benefit the IB program. There will also be a raffle. Prizes will be items donated by local businesses.
"It is so exciting as a young parent to be involved in this (IB)," said Koester. "They will have a brilliant education."
Source: Tri-County Times
Jesse Madden Named to FHS Athletic Hall of Fame
4/27/08
Jesse Madden, a 1956 graduate of Fenton High School (FHS), has been named to the Fenton High School Athletic Hall of Fame. (read more)
He will be inducted into the hall of fame, along with four other candidates, at a dinner on June 12, sanctioned by the Fenton Area Public Schools Education Foundation (FAPSEF).
Madden went on to graduate from Western Michigan University in 1960.
"It's a great honor, but I was a little bit stunned, it's amazing to me that after 52 years, people know I am still around. I am looking forward to the ceremony and dinner," said Madden, talking from his home in Port Huron.
The Maddens lived on County Line Road, and by all rights he should have attended Holly schools, but FHS was closer and a tuition fee was paid so he could attend.
For two years, he was coached by Ivan Williams and then Ken "Whitey" Wegner took over.
"Fenton High School was a great place to be and a great school," he said.
Madden spent two years in the U.S. Army. He retired from work at the age of 60. He played Recreation City League Basketball in Port Huron until he was about 40. He took up racquetball at the age of 35 and still plays.
"I used to play in a lot of racquetball tournaments, held a couple of state championships and had national ranking in my age group," he said.
Source: Tri-County Times
First Granting Process Open
3/4/07
The Fenton Area Public Schools Education Foundation (FAPSEF) will be receiving grant applications for the 2007/2008 school year. Interested applicants should fill out a grant application form. Grants are available for up to $1,000. (read more)
"The Fenton High School newspaper and yearbook staffs are thrilled with the quality of the photographs we are capturing with the camera lens we received from the Fenton Area Public Schools Education Foundation Grant," Fenton High School Newspaper and Yearbook Instructor Pam Bunka said. "Because the lens is so costly, we could not have purchased it without the help of the grant."
The Foundation has doubled the amount of funds available for grants this year to $5,000. All grant applications must be turned in by April 25th, 2008. Grant applicants will be notified by May 30th if they are accepted.
Any parties interested in matching the Foundation's grants should contact Board of Directors Chair Joe Kryza at jkryza@umich.edu.
Source: Tri-County Times
Mr. LeRoy, step aside
1/21/07
There's a new poker player in town and his name is now displayed on the street in downtown Fenton. (read more)
On Thursday, evidence of Karl Keranen's card-playing abilities was installed on the street sign at S. Leroy Street, near E. Shiawassee. Keranen was the winner of last year's Colonel Fenton's Founder's Day Texas Hold 'em Poker Tournament, a fundraiser for the Fenton Area Public Schools Education Foundation (FAPSEF).
In addition to a cash grand prize, Keranen's win included honorary street signs bearing his name to be installed on S. Leroy Street at W. Shiawassee, E. Shiawassee, Mill, Ellen, River and Silver Lake Road, for a temporary length of time.
The honorary street signs commemorate the historic poker game between founders William Fenton and Robert LeRoy in about 1837. Local legend has it that Fenton and LeRoy played a game of cards to see for whom the new town would be named. The loser would have the main street named after him and have the choice of naming other streets. Fenton won and the town was named "Fentonville." LeRoy named some of the streets for members of his family, including Ann, Caroline and Ellen, for example.
Keranen, who owns Universal Utilities, Inc. in Fenton Township, said it's nice being the inaugural winner of an event FAPSEF hopes to be an annual affair.
"It's exciting, very cool," said Keranen of the honor. "The tournament was a lot of fun. I suggest that a lot of people show up for (the next event).
"I've never had anything named after me before, let alone a street," he added. "I'll be driving down the street with my family and friends a lot and saying, 'oh look at that sign up there'. I'm very excited about winning it."
City Manager Michael Senyko, who is also on the FAPSEF Board of Directors, said, "I think it's tremendous. It ties the history of Fenton in with the poker tournament. By doing this honorary sign, it's a perfect tie-in."
Although historical accounts indicate the winner got to name the town and loser named the street, "we couldn't rename the town," said Senyko. "We talked about doing a complimentary letterhead that said 'city of Keranen,' but we figured it wouldn't have the same 'oomph' that the street did."
FAPSEF is planning its second annual Colonel Fenton's Founder's Day Texas Hold 'Em Poker Tournament at The Fenton Hotel on Thursday, March 1. Tickets will be on sale soon. Look for further information in upcoming editions of the Tri-County Times.
Source: Tri-County Times
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