Written by: Jenna Spendlove, D’Evelyn Education Foundation Manager November is National Gratitude Month. The D’Evelyn Education Foundation is kicking off a “What are YOU thankful for” campaign. Gratitude is more than simply saying “thank you.” Gratitude's amazing powers have the ability to shift us from focusing on the negative to appreciating what is positive in our lives. We encourage students, families, teachers and staff to participate by emailing us your gratitude quote. Here are a few we’ve received to-date and they are great!
“My gratitude for D’Evelyn High School is bountiful. I’m most grateful for the substantial educational experience that both my children received at D’Evelyn which has provided them with the foundation for advanced degrees and successful careers. The care, support, and demand for excellence by both the Administration and teachers is truly setting the standard for education. Secondly, I am honored to serve on the D’Evelyn Education Foundation Board because I am awed by the dedication of so many volunteers working selflessly to enhance and support this amazing school community with the necessary resources and opportunities for our students.” - Kay D’Evelyn La Montagne “I am thankful that, in the midst of a worldwide pandemic, my daughters are continuing to receive a world-class education. Thank you D'Evelyn!” - Melinda Bochner, D'Evelyn parent "I'm thankful for a free country to live in. I'm thankful for a great school community to send my children. And I'm thankful for teachers and staff that provide an incredible educational experience for my 3 sons at D'Evelyn. Thank you for coordinating together to deliver a seamless educational and extracurricular experiences for my children." - Reed Larsen, D’Evelyn parent Please submit your quote of why you are thankful to [email protected] today! We need your help to make our school the best it can be! Please review the following opportunities:
Junior High Boosters The Jr. High Boosters Club was created to help build a sense of community amongst our Junior High Students. Each year, a few fun events are held to achieve that mission including JumpStreet, Back-To-School BBQ and Socials. Your participation would be truly appreciated to ensure the success of these happenings and to guarantee an awesome year for our students. Please contact [email protected] today! D’Evelyn DASH The D’Evelyn DASH is a cross country competition, a 2k and 5k community race, along with a festival. It is our big community kick off to the school year and a fundraiser for the D’Evelyn Education Foundation. It’s for runners and non-runners alike! Get involved! Our DASH committee consists of about 20 coordinators to head big-ticket items like parking, registration, course marshaling, sponsorship, publicity, student booths, entertainment and graphic design. On top of that, we enlist the help of over 100 volunteers to help the day of the DASH. The DASH committee is a fun and easy way to get plugged into the D’Evelyn community. For information on how you can get involved, please email [email protected] D’Evelyn Performing Arts/DPA Parent Booster Group to support band, choir, orchestra, pep band, marching band, Improv, theater and musical performances. Contact Brittany @ [email protected] Annual Dinner/Auction Help plan and coordinate the DEF Annual Dinner/Auction. This is DEF’s largest fundraiser and is a great way to socialize with fellow parents/teachers/staff while having lots of fun and benefitting the D’Evelyn Community. This event’s success is because of the incredible volunteers who put it together! We are seeking volunteers to help with: * event planning/logistics * décor and invitations * sponsorships * silent auction acquisitions To learn more and/or get involved contact: [email protected] After Prom Party After Prom is the big party held after the prom dance and hosted by the D’Evelyn Education Foundation. Participate on a committee to help plan and coordinate in April. Planning starts in September and includes décor, ticket sales, and activities. Contact Shannon Willis at [email protected] JagTrax Newsletter and Communications Online publication which is a major method of communication at D’Evelyn. Assist with weekly production of the Jaguar Tracks newsletter. Contact: [email protected] Food Provider Contribute food for various school activities including Teacher Conference Dinners. Also works closely with teacher appreciation committee. Contact Sarah Carlson [email protected] School Store Work shifts in the school store during lunch and/or at some school events such as football/basketball games, registration, and welcome night. Can work as little as one shift per month. A great way to get to know our amazing students, teachers, and staff. Contact Julia Blackford at [email protected] Teacher Appreciation We love our teachers! Assist in planning, coordinating and executing a thoughtful plan to acknowledge and show appreciation to our incredible teachers. Contact Kelly Morris at [email protected] Your Interests What is your talent? Tell us about your skills and interests and we will match you with a fun and exciting volunteer opportunity. [email protected] The Next Great Idea Got a great idea that would benefit the D’Evelyn community? Want to spearhead your initiative? We’d love to hear from you! We are always available to consider new fun and thought-provoking ideas for activities/events that support our students. Contact [email protected] Written by: Jenna Spendlove, D’Evelyn Education Foundation Manager Formally established in 2004, the D'Evelyn Education Foundation (DEF) is a non-profit organization whose primary goal is to provide the financial support necessary to maintain D'Evelyn's academic, athletic, performing arts, and scholarship programs. As a non-profit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization, the Foundation is able to provide those who donate the benefits of a charitable contribution. 100% of the money raised goes directly back to support the students, teachers, and staff of D'Evelyn. With help from the many volunteers and funding from the Foundation, D'Evelyn provides not only an academic education unequaled by other public schools, but also opportunities for many diverse activities that make school interesting and exciting. D’Evelyn Education Foundation is committed to providing the funding and volunteers necessary to support our many programs—but we need YOU to be a part of the community. It is rewarding and fun to give these kids chances to grow and develop and enjoy their teen years. Join us! [email protected] Did you know you can contribute to DEF just by shopping on Amazon? It is super easy! Select D’Evelyn Education Foundation when you use the https://smile.amazon.com/ link every time you order and a percentage will be sent to DEF. THANK YOU! Please consider supporting our generous donors! Food, Beverage & Goodies Bierstadt - https://bierstadtlager.com/ LePeep - https://lepeep.com/ Yogurtland - https://www.yogurt-land.com/ Great Harvest Bread - http://greatharvestlakewoodco.com/ 5281 Steak - https://www.5281steak.com/ FrontRoom Pizza - https://frontroompizza.com/ Goozell Yogurt & Coffee - http://www.goozell.com/ Tuk Tuk Thai - https://tuktukrocks.wordpress.com/ Venture Coffee Co - https://venturecoffeecompany.com/ Fontana Sushi - https://www.littletonfontanasushi.com/ Stack Subs - https://www.stacksubs.com/ Health & Wellness Easton Training Center - https://eastonbjj.com/littleton/ Spirit Songs Botanicals - https://spiritsongsbotanicals.com/ Anytime Fitness - https://www.anytimefitness.com/ Boulder Running Company - https://www.jackrabbit.com/ PPR / Life Long Endurance - https://www.lifelongendurance.com/ For The Home Sashco - https://www.sashco.com/ Green Bag Lady - https://www.facebook.com/GreenBagLady/ Gulley Metal Services - https://www.gulleymetalservices.com/ Pet Scoop - https://www.petscoop.com/ Fransen Pittman - https://fransenpittman.com/ Specialty Appliance - https://buyfromsa.com/ LabJack - https://labjack.com/ For Your Business Prosper Consulting - https://prosperconsultingllc.com/ AssetLink Global - http://assetlinkglobal.com/ Fleet Sheets - https://fleetsheetsprinting.weebly.com/ Super Tees - http://www.superteesinc.com/ OtterBox - https://www.otterbox.com/ Tutoring, SAT Prep & Other Lessons Mathnasium of Littleton - https://www.mathnasium.com/littleton Raising the Bar - http://www.rtbcoaching.com/ Club Z - https://clubztutoring.com/ Let’s Play Music - https://www.letsplaymusicsite.com/ MindFish - https://mindfish.com/ Vision & Dental Pearle Vision - https://www.pearlevision.com/ Summit Family Dentistry & Ortho - https://summitfamilydentistry.com/ Pediatric Dental Group of CO - https://www.pediatricdentalgroupco.com/ Kulkarni Ortho - https://www.kulkarniortho.com/ Bobak Ortho - https://bobakortho.com/ Green Mountain Dental - https://www.greenmountaindentalgroup.com/ Be Sure to Check Out CCU - https://www.ccu.edu/ Bell Ranch Llamas - https://bellranchllamas.com/ B&H Renegades - https://bandhsports.com/ NOTE – We have tried our best to list all of our past supporters, but if we have missed you, please let us know as we would love to publicize your business as well. Additionally, if you own a business or are part of a business that would like to be recognized and supported by the D'Evelyn community, please contact Jenna Spendlove at [email protected]. Written by: Jenna Spendlove, D’Evelyn Education Foundation Manager Each year, there are many parent volunteers who create, plan, and execute the Board’s numerous activities and we’d like to take a moment to thank them for all of their efforts. First, to our “graduating” parents: Fernanda Jacques – Fernanda has been the Editor of the Jaguar Trax for the past couple of years and has done an outstanding job! Her years of dedication are greatly appreciated. Her years at D’Evelyn have come to an end, but her legacy will remain for years to come. Lanier Johnson – Lanier worked on the D’Evelyn Diretory, as well as many other activities, for years at both Dennison Elementary and D’Evelyn. Her years of volunteering are greatly appreciated. Her last student at D’Evelyn is now graduated. Second, to our current parent volunteers, THANK YOU! After Prom - Shannon Willis Annual Dinner & Auction – Elise vonLuhrte-Neugebauer, Wendi Graper, Leticia Dyson, Jennifer Bountry, Laura Bechtel, Jennifer Allbritton, Brittany Jackman, Kristi Gulley, Terrie Fontenot, Molly Stensland, Nikie Gagnon, Stephanie Culligan, Ann Koerner, Lisa Colehour, and Jenna Spendlove D’Evelyn DASH – Molly Stensland & Barb Haerbig D’Evelyn Directory – Julie Vanek & Leslie Kyler D’Evelyn Performing Arts – Brittany Jackman Junior High Boosters – Jill Kroog Parent/Teacher Conference Dinners – Sarah Carlson School Store – Julia Blackford Teacher Appreciation – Kelly Morris Written by: by Kelly Morris & Jenna Spendlove
This year, the D’Evelyn Education Foundation participated in Teacher Appreciation Week beginning on Cinco de Mayo and to say that it was “Nacho” ordinary celebration would be an understatement. It was important that our teachers were reminded each day of how very much they are APPRECIATED and LOVED!!! We are so thankful for all they do for our students and school—and especially all that they have done to allow the learning to continue this Spring. In addition to the daily reminders of how thankful we are, each day there was a Virtual Selfie Scavenger Hunt. Tuesday the 5th was a Cinco de Mayo scavenger hunt, Wednesday the 6th was Shelter-in-Place, Thursday the 7th was D’Evelyn Pride, and Friday the 8th was COVID-19 Eating & Entertainment in Isolation hunt. There were numerous winners each day who received gift cards to great places. Please enjoy a few of the fun photos! And remember…Our Teachers Are Appreciated!!!!! By Ralph K. Spencer, D'Evelyn Education Foundation Board of Directors OK, I admit it, I'm a numbers guy. I can't help it. Give me your telephone number and I will remember it for three days. Same with the negative balance in my checking account, or your checking account, for that matter. Same with my daughter's nursing schedule for the month of Feb. It's a blessing and a curse, all at the same time. However, and there is always a however in life, I will strive to keep this article simple/easy to understand, despite the numbers. I am going to be talking scholarships and awards, a topic near and dear to the parents of every D'Evelyn senior, and perhaps of interest to many of our graduating seniors. The infamous numbers have changed from last year - for the better. Where numbers are concerned, short and sweet is mandatory. So, here we go, starting with perhaps the most important piece of information, which ironically contains only dates, not numbers: The deadline for submitting scholarships is Wed, April 1, 2020, the first Wednesday of school following spring break. ALL scholarships must be submitted to the Counseling Office by 3:00 pm on April 1, no exceptions!
And finally, speaking of numbers, have you ever wondered why the Star Wars movies came out in the sequence 4, 5, 6, 1, 2, 3? Because in charge of numbers, Yoda was. I'm sorry, I couldn't resist!!! GO JAGS! By Jothi Ravindran, D’Evelyn Foundation Board Member As communities across the nation celebrate Black History and as we follow the D’Evelyn call to “prepare [our] students for roles as active, informed citizens” throughout the month of February, it is valuable to take a look back at where the celebration began. Harvard scholar and historian Dr. Carter G. Woodson, known as the “Father of Black History,” began promoting what was then called Negro History Week in 1926 during the second week of February to celebrate the birthdays of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln — two men who made positive and enduring contributions to America and its black communities. Over the ensuing decades, it has evolved into a four-week-long celebration of African American History, which is far too often ignored or under-represented in the telling of American history. Almost from the beginning, Mr. Woodson knew it would be important to have an annual theme for Black History Month, so this tradition began in 1928. The 2020 theme is African Americans and the Vote, as this year coincides with the 150th anniversary of the 15th Amendment, which gave African American men the right to vote in the wake of the Civil War, and the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment which gave women the right to vote in 1920. Even after the 15th Amendment’s passage in 1870, the ability of African Americans in the South to vote was consistently undermined until the Voting Rights Act of 1965, fifty-five years ago, which is still used in court battles today. Black History Month became a month-long annual celebration first acknowledged by the US Federal Government in 1976 under President Gerald Ford, who called upon the public to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.” Learn more about African American History Month by visiting these resources: Ted Talks to Celebrate Black HistoryHistory.comAssociation for the Study of African American Life and History By Ralph K. Spencer, D'Evelyn Education Foundation Board of Directors On January 9, 2020, I had the distinct pleasure, at the request of the Counseling Office, to meet with D'Evelyn seniors in the cafeteria to discuss the topic of free money, otherwise known as Scholarships and Awards. Since that meeting, I am very proud to report that the total of this year's scholarships and awards has increased by $900 thanks to the generosity of two D'Evelyn supporters. The Lynne M. Murphy Performing Arts Scholarship has been increased from $1,000 to $1,500. The Dr. Peter Silvaggio Physics Scholarship has been increased from $600 to $1,000, which can be split 50-50 between two applicants, if necessary. Therefore, for the first time in D'Evelyn history, the total of senior scholarships and awards available in any given year will break the $25,000 barrier, or to be specific, $25,250!!! This total will be awarded to D'Evelyn seniors at the May 13 Senior Banquet - to be held at none other than Empower Field, home of the Denver Broncos! The following bullets highlight my comments to the seniors and also include some additional information that I was not able to discuss given the time constraints of this meeting.
I will be writing additional articles on the topic of D'Evelyn scholarships and awards in future editions of the Jaguar Tracks. I hope you will take a few minutes to learn more about this incredibly rewarding program. If you have specific questions, please direct them to me at 303-979-9175, Ms. Hays, or Ms. McSwain. Free money, as everyone knows, is hard to come by in this world. With that in mind, the best of luck to every D'Evelyn senior who decides to take the scholarship plunge!!! By Ralph K. Spencer, D’Evelyn Education Foundation Board of Directors I wrote the following article for the Jaguar Tracks seven years ago and, upon recent reflection, decided to reprint it in this current edition of the Tracks. Why bother, you ask? I thought it would serve as a good reminder of what the Jamin Fund, a 501(c)(3) entity, has accomplished at D'Evelyn since its 2007 inception. The first Jamin B. Wilson Excellence in Education cash awards were presented to teachers Janet Shibly, Vocal Music, and Chris Baker, Social Studies, at the 2008 Senior Banquet. Over the last 12 years, $50,000 in cash awards have been presented to 20 D'Evelyn teachers, two Asst. Principals, and one Jr. High Counselor! Additionally, last year's Senior Banquet was the first year in which the $1,000 Jamin B. Wilson Life-Long Learner Memorial Scholarship was presented to graduating senior Marc Gagnon. Private donations by Jamin's friends and family over the years has ensured that a permanent source of funds will be available for both the Excellence in Education award for D'Evelyn community members and the Life-Long Learner Memorial Scholarship for D'Evelyn seniors. What a great tribute to an outstanding young man who was taken from us way too soon. It is said that out of great tragedy can come much good. I believe the Jamin Fund exemplifies this statement. Please take a moment to read the following 7-year old article and then stop in the Main Office at D'Evelyn and take a look at what I like to call A Touch of Class. I hope you enjoy it! Please take a moment to walk into D’Evelyn’s main office in the next few days, look 45 degrees to your right, and spend a minute or two admiring a new print (and an informative plaque) that adorns the north wall. This classy addition to the main office was the gift of Charlie Wilson, a member of the DEF Board of Directors, and the father of Jamin B. (J.B.) Wilson, a 1999 D’Evelyn graduate. J.B. took the original photograph of an elegant mountain skyline with some of his D’Evelyn buddies in Switzerland where he was serving as a 2LT in the U.S. Air Force. Following J.B.’s untimely 2006 death in a tragic automobile accident in Germany, artist/family friend/former D’Evelyn parent Renee Palmer-Jones rendered J.B.’s photo into a beautiful painting she named Jamin’s Vision. D’Evelyn Jr./Sr. High School has graciously accepted this print of the original painting from the Jamin Fund, a tax-exempt fund established in 2007 by J.B.’s family, in memory of their beloved son. Since the plaque was donated by yet another DEF Board member, the entire D’Evelyn community will be able to enjoy this beautiful “touch of class” for years to come at no expense to DEF or the school. By Ralph K. Spencer, D’Evelyn Education Foundation Board of Directors I recently met (10/8/19 @ 6:30 pm) with many of the parents of this year's D'Evelyn seniors to let them know the ins and outs of the school's Scholarship and Award program. For those parents who could not make this meeting, and for those parents who DID attend but did not remember every little thing I said, I am writing this article to highlight the most important points of my presentation.
I will be writing additional articles on the topic of D'Evelyn scholarships and awards in future editions of the Jaguar Tracks. I hope you will take a few minutes to learn more about this incredible program and, if you have specific questions, please direct them to the Jaguar Tracks Editor, [email protected]. I know Fernanda will not hesitate to forward your questions on to me!!! By Ralph K. Spencer, D’Evelyn Education Foundation Board of Directors
The annual Senior Banquet, held on May 15, 2019, at the Sheraton Denver West Hotel, was a very special event for all D’Evelyn seniors. After all, D’Evelyn students can only attend one senior high school banquet in their lifetime to bask in the glow of their achievements over the last 4/6 years. As everyone knows, graduating from D’Evelyn is a significant achievement! Allow me to summarize below the 25 senior scholarships/award presentations (worth almost $24,000!) made that night, not only to honor our graduated seniors, but also to recognize two D’Evelyn teachers who each claimed prestigious awards. Emily Carver - Performing Arts Scholarship for Orchestra - $1,000 Megan Yost - Performing Arts Scholarship for Choral/Vocal - $1,000 Vivian Nguyen - Carol J. Mancuso Music Scholarship - $500 Daniel Brady - JAGS Athletic Scholarship -$1,000 Ian Widmann - LeAnne Hollemans Roscow Award - $1,500 Dominic Cushnie - David S. D'Evelyn Scholarship - $1,000 Kendyll Gromko - Rona Burrows Scholarship - $500 Cecilia Leoni - Marta Vigil Scholarship for Excellence in a Foreign Language - $1,000 Sebastian Coco - Performing Arts Scholarship for Theater - $1,000 Emily Smith - Excellence in History Scholarship - $1,000 Shiloh Miller - Carolyn G. DeRaad Scholarship - $1,000 Brady Sullivan - Dr. Peter Silvaggio Physics Scholarship - $600 Victoria Szathmary - JAGS Athletic Scholarship - $1,000 Amanda Giedt - Excellence Amidst Adversity Scholarship - $1,000 Rory Devin - Excellence in Mathematics Scholarship - $1,000 Isabel Lopez - Performing Arts Scholarship for Band - $1,000 Laryssa Hamblen - Academic Opportunity Scholarship - $1,000 Tonia Hajj - Academic Opportunity Scholarship - $1,000 Favio Acosta - William R. and Helen J. Dowdle Scholarship - $250 Hannah Erickson - Excellence in English Scholarship - $1,000 Claire Madonna - Kathi Pitzer Scholarship - $1,000 Marc Gagnon - Jamin B. Wilson Life-Long Learner Memorial Scholarship - $1,000 Alan Li - David S. D'Evelyn Scholarship - $1,000 Emma Kurtz - Carla S. (Pedersen) Zarkowski Memorial Scholarship - $1,500 Conor Sampson - Andrew Jenicek Memorial Award - $1,000 Grand Total: $23,850! Two D'Evelyn teachers were presented with cash awards at this year's Senior Banquet: Joel Jacobson - Jamin B. Wilson Excellence in Education Award - $3000 (funded by private donations; does NOT include funds raised by the D'Evelyn Education Foundation) Rush Daly - 2018-2019 Teacher of the Year - $250 (voted upon by D'Evelyn seniors) Please take a moment to congratulate the parents (some of whom are still at D’Evelyn) of the above scholarship/award winners the next time you see them as well as the two faculty members whose names can also be found engraved on two special plaques in the school’s front lobby. By RALPH K. SPENCER, D’Evelyn Education Foundation Board of Directors
The following 1998 graduation speech was given by Lindsey Sustad, one of 64 students in D’Evelyn’s first graduation class. This speech is a MUST READ for our new parents and their students who have joined the D’Evelyn family this year (and for anyone else who has not yet read it). Parents, please take the time to read this speech to your students at the dinner table in the next few days. I believe you are obligated to share Lindsey's epiphany on the secret to D'Evelyn's success with your children so they will know ahead of time that their individual experiences at D'Evelyn will actually be a part of a grand plan devised by our incredible founders. I hope her words provide some solace to those students (and parents) who may be wondering if all the time and effort they put forth into their academics, every day, is really worth it. I think you will agree with me that yes, it absolutely IS worth it. Thank you, Lindsey, for sharing your understanding of our amazing school like no one else could. And parents, if you get a shiver down your back upon reading Lindsey’s speech, don’t worry, it’s perfectly normal. Trust me! “Teachers are constantly bombarded with the question, ‘Are we ever going to have to use this in real life?’ Earlier this year I discovered the answer. It was a surprising realization, but when it dawned on me, the entire philosophy of D’Evelyn made sense. In 9th and 10th grade, we took a variety of core classes in which our brains were loaded with basic information of the subjects. During those two years, I learned more facts, stats, and general stuff than I ever thought I would need to know. I sometimes got frustrated and often wondered where in the world I would ever have to know how to do any of this stuff. I mean, come on: An algebraic proof? Cause and effect essays? The periodic table? Little did I know the answer was right around the corner! In 11th grade, while we were still being bombarded with knowledge, we were actually forced to use it. The periodic table came back to haunt me in Physics. I was also shocked that I had to use what I had learned in math the last two years to do my Physics homework. We had to write papers of significant length, including a few cause and effect essays, in American History and Physics. This also meant we had to use the grammar and language skills we learned in English in 9th grade. While this secret plot between the teachers had been going on all along, it wasn’t evident to me. It became even clearer this year. Those algebraic proofs have taught me problem-solving skills I often utilize in other areas of my life. We are constantly making connections in Senior English to the books we read in 9th and 10th grade. With a knowledge base of American history from my junior year, my understanding of American government and economic systems has been accelerated this year. We, as students, have done less busy work and more thinking. Senior teachers have done less talking while we have been left to do more discussing. We learn by working and plowing through things on our own, using our acquired knowledge and critical thinking skills as our only tools. From all of this I have learned that school actually does apply to ‘real life.’ The history I learned helps me to understand the newspaper I read every morning. I see physics and chemistry at work every time I do something so small as to open my refrigerator. But perhaps the scariest thing of all happened as I drove down the road listening to my radio. As I listened to the words of a popular hit song, I saw it directly relating to the book we were currently discussing in English. If that isn’t a real-life application, I don’t know what is. As a graduate today, I feel confident in taking my first step into this ‘real’ world because of all the skills and knowledge I have acquired from my work at D’Evelyn. I, along with these grads, have acquired an educated awareness of how this world around us works. This educated awareness has given us the confidence and amazing acquired ability to make intelligent arguments in heated debates among adults. We can make connections between literature and psychology or sociology and international relations. Taking D’Evelyn smarts to the streets is to understand and analyze the world with an educated view. Life is much fuller for one who is educated and aware. So, the next time I feel tempted to ask the purpose of learning something, I think I’ll stop, trust the teacher, and look for the opportunity to apply the knowledge to my ‘real life’ world.” By Ralph K. Spencer, D'Evelyn Education Foundation Board of Directors I believe a quick recap (the first five checkmarks), and fewer numbers, from my Feb article is in order.
By Ralph K. Spencer, D'Evelyn Education Foundation Board of Directors OK, I admit it, I'm a numbers guy. I can't help it. Give me your telephone number and I will remember it for three days. Same with the balance in my checking account, or your checking account, for that matter. Same with my daughter's nursing schedule for the month of Feb. It's a blessing and a curse, at the same time. However, and there is always a however in life, I will strive to keep this article simple/easy to understand, despite the numbers. I am going to be talking scholarships, a topic near and dear to the parents of every D'Evelyn senior and perhaps of interest to many of our graduating seniors. The infamous numbers have changed from last year - for the better. Where numbers are concerned, short and sweet is mandatory. So, here we go:
Please watch for my "Second of a Series" of scholarship numbers. I promise to lighten up, numbers wise, in future articles. In closing, I am reminded of the dry but funny wit of comedian Steven Wright who once quipped, "I'm writing a book. I've got the page numbers done." I hope MY numbers have a more significant impact (on you and your students) than Steven's!!! GO JAGS! By Geri O’Brien Williams Chairman, D’Evelyn Education Foundation Board of Directors This is a very special time in our school’s history as we celebrate our 25th year of academic excellence! The numerous achievements and accolades D’Evelyn has collected over the last 25 years are no secret and we continue to see D’Evelyn’s name at the top of various “best schools” lists year after year. Many of us remember the anticipation during the lottery process, waiting to find out if the door on a D’Evelyn education would be opened for our children. We wished there was something we could do, some action we could take, to ensure our children would be educated at D’Evelyn. Where would we be if not at D’Evelyn? Would we be paying thousands of dollars for a private school education? Now that our families are safely in the door, it is time to act and show your gratitude for the exceptional experiences offered to our students by supporting the Quarter Century, Quarter Million campaign! Fifty percent of all proceeds raised THIS YEAR will be dedicated to a full renovation of the D’Evelyn Main Gymnasium, and 50% will be dedicated to the annual D’Evelyn Education Foundation (DEF) budget. 50% Gymnasium Renovation- The D’Evelyn Main Gymnasium is the central hub for our school - not just for athletics but also for student assemblies and parent meetings. This renovation will have a positive impact on the entire D’Evelyn community. Here is an overview of the reasons why the D’Evelyn community needs this renovation: The Physical Need: The gym and bleachers were installed for the opening of the “new” D’Evelyn Junior/Senior High School building in the 2001 - 2002 school year. The floor has been maintained over the past 18 years, but never redesigned, resurfaced, or fully refinished. The floor design has decayed over the 18 years, due to natural wear and tear. Parts of the gym floor have shifted, making it uneven and in need of repair. Further, once or twice per year, a new layer of finish has been applied to maintain the surface, without sanding or resurfacing. This has negatively impacted the quality of the floor for the competitive sports that use the Main Gym for practice and games, as well as students using the gym for PE classes. The bleachers have similar wear and tear. New bleachers increase functionality, allow the D’Evelyn Main Gym to achieve ADA compliance, and provide more comfortable seating. The Direct Impact: The Main Gym is the primary home of 400 students in PE classes daily, as well as approximately 150 students who compete in all levels of girls’ volleyball, boys’ basketball, and girls’ basketball. Their games are important community events, where we welcome D’Evelyn students, faculty, staff, and parents, along with visiting students, faculty, staff, and parents to our school. Additionally, elementary and junior high D’Evelyn Gold Crown programs for all three sports use the main gym for practices and competitions. The Gym is a Community Hub: The Main Gym is heavily used by the most D’Evelyn community members, along with the Library, Auditorium, and Cafeteria. An important responsibility of DEF is to support a vibrant, engaging environment that encourages a positive student experience, particularly in areas where the district-provided school funding is inadequate to fund an important school initiative. By providing first-rate facilities to students and staff, we have the power to promote not only a positive school culture, but an engaging, supportive learning environment to promote success for all D’Evelyn students. Improvements will occur over the summer of 2019. The newly renovated gym will be ready for use at the beginning of the 2019-2020 school year. 50% DEF Annual Budget- It is up to the D’Evelyn Education Foundation, our school’s 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization, to raise and distribute the funds necessary to maintain and build the programs that make our school extraordinary. DEF manages about $90,000 annually to support a host of worthwhile initiatives including:
Progress so far- This year’s D’Evelyn DASH raised $10,640; our just completed Annual Auction, Cheers to 25 Years, netted $70,000. Adding the donations to date from our Annual Campaign brings us to a total of $165,000 toward our Quarter Million goal! We now ask you to help raise the balance of $85,000 so we may complete the renovation of the D’Evelyn Main Gymnasium and fund our other worthwhile student programs. If each of D’Evelyn’s 750 families contributed only $115 we would reach this goal! It is the continued generosity of people like you that will enable D’Evelyn Jr./Sr. High School to continue to thrive. No contribution is too small as we attempt to raise $85,000 during this year’s Quarter Century, Quarter Million Campaign. Please make your check payable to “DEF” and mail it to the school, marked “c/o DEF”, or use our website, https://quartercentury250k.weebly.com to donate online today. After you click donate, you will have the option of providing a one-time donation or making a monthly donation. Once you have sent your gift, smile in the knowledge that you have acted and that your donation will contribute to the continued excellence of our nationally recognized college preparatory school. |
The D'Evelyn Education Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable corporation. The Board of Directors oversees the finances, legal issues and long-term strategic plans of the organization Archives
May 2023
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