Area schools receive grant awards from Hopkins Foundation Tuesday

The Hopkins Foundation had a wonderful surprise for several area schools Tuesday morning.

The annual Hopkins Foundation awards were presented to educators at several area schools, this included seven USD 253 schools, the Emporia Christian School, Olpe High School and North Lyon County Elementary School. Each individual received funding for a new special classroom, area, organization or group project

This is a change from how the awards were in year’s past as the foundation previously recognized the work and achievement of individual educators. Michelle Hopkins-Molinaro of the Hopkins Foundation explains why they decided to make the change.

Hopkins-Molinaro, along with USD 253 Superintendent Kevin Case and other members of the district, spent the morning going from building to building, and even the local bowling alley, to surprise the recipients. Recipients of the awards wrote into the foundation requesting funding for the programs which are designed to aid the educational experience of their students.

Superintendent Case says he is proud of the desire from staff members to provide students with different forms of educational opportunities.

Hopkins-Malinaro says she enjoys being present because she enjoys seeing the reactions of the recipients.

The E.L. and Z. Irene Hopkins Foundation’s mission is to provide support funding for programs that will help improve, in tangible ways, the quality of life and life circumstances of area children.

Local Hopkins Awards recipients were as follows:

Amanda Mendoza and Dana Cole, Emporia High School, FVR (Free Voluntary Reading) Library

Katie Eaton, Emporia Middle School, Jr. Spartan Sensory Success

Jeremy Purdy, Emporia Middle School, Read Around Emporia

Randielle Houser, Riverside, 4th Grade Visit to ESU

Angela Combes, Timmerman, Buddy Bench

Jessica Kellison, Village, 2 Cool 4 Skool Coffee Shop

Kara Conley and Dell Jacob, Walnut, Makerspace

Melanie Curtis, William Allen White, Dashing Into Robotics

Sheri Bonnet, William Allen White, Imaginarium

Hannah Prophet, William Allen White, Trailblazing Fitness

Trisha Fullerton, Emporia Christian School, Student Freedom