Academic Foundation

Academic Foundation Gala A Success

WGEL Daily News: The eighth annual Light The Way Gala for the Bond County Community Unit 2 Academic Foundation Saturday night was another success. About 100 people attended the event at Copper Dock Winery, north of Pocahontas.
  Foundation President Chase Vohlken said it was a good night for the organization, estimating that the net proceeds would be around $21,000. He expects the foundation to have a $25,000 – $30,000 impact on the school district, similar to last year.
  Vohlken reported there were 30 different buyers in the auction with it raising about $10,000 of the total. Langham Auctioneers conducted the auction. Vohlken said the foundation had many sponsors for the event. There were 25 this year, which is more than in the past.
  The foundation raises funds to provide teacher grants for extra educational items in classrooms, for scholarships, and to provide some tuition for high school students who enroll in the Kaskaskia College program that allows them to take college courses during their study halls.
  The event was sponsored, in part, by Bradford National Bank, HSHS Holy Family Hospital, Bond County Realtors, Copper Dock, Marco, Mundorf Law Group, Peoples State Bank, Southern Illinois Underwriters Agency / Auto-Owners Insurance, Frank & Susan Watson, Bond County Democratic Central Committee, Bond County Health Department, Bond County Republican Central Committee, Central Illinois Truck Service, Channel Seed - Shad Kleiner, Field Level Agriculture - Nicholas Suess, FNB Community Bank, GRP Wegman, Greenville Optimists, Jostens, Langham Auctioneers, NACO Printing & Advertising, OPAA! Food Management, WGEL Radio, and West and Company.
  See WGEL article for sound bytes.

Unit Two Academic Foundation Grants Announced

WGEL Daily News: Since it was founded in 1990, the Bond County Community Unit 2 Academic Foundation has raised funds to provide grants to teachers in all district attendance centers. An announcement was made at the October meeting of the Unit 2 Board of Education regarding the latest grants approved.
  Superintendent Wes Olson said the foundation has been tremendous partners and supporters of the district and students. This year the foundation funded 16 grants to the tune of about $22,000. Olson noted all teachers are eligible to apply for the grants. Students in all district schools will benefit from the grants. He encouraged everyone to support the foundation in their efforts to support local students.
  The Academic Foundation also awards college and aviation scholarships and supports the Character Education Program.
  High School Principal Kara Harris reported at the school board meeting that the foundation has recently made payments for six students to participate in the Kaskaskia College Now Program and take jump start classes.
  See WGEL article for a sound byte.

Academic Foundation Memorial For Phillips

Sandy and John Phillips were long-time Greenville residents who passed away recently (Sandra Jo Schrumpf Phillips in April 2023 and John Jeffery Phillips in September 2023). They were members of the Greenville High School Class of 1963, attended Greenville College, and both were teachers at Breese Central High School.
  The GHS Class of 1963 has created a memorial in their honor with the Bond County Community Unit 2 Academic Foundation for current local teachers who want to advance their education.
  Donations can be sent by check to the Academic Foundation at 1008 North Hena, Greenville, Illinois 62246. Note that the contribution is for the John and Sandy Phillips Memorial.
  Thank you to the family and friends of John and Sandy Phillips for contributing to our cause in their memory.

Unit Two Seniors Honored for Academics With Scholarships

The Greenville Advocate: The Greenville High School Academic Foundation Academic Awards Program was held Monday evening, May 15, 2023 at 6:30 p.m. Senior students were presented scholarships, departmental awards, and other recognitions.
  B.C.C.U. #2 Academic Foundation scholarship recipients recognized during the program include:
 Carter Snow received the Ralph and Audrey Broom Scholarship; Sydnee Godier received the Sara Cunningham Memorial Scholarship; Katelyn Ridens received the Jan Nevinger Memorial Scholarship; Bailey Wilkerson received the Dotti Corn Scholarship; Charlee Stearns received the Art Bollinger Scholarship; Mary Claire Dannaman received the Jim and Thelma Keaster Scholarship; Mekylla Bico received the Roger and Mabel Reidemann Scholarship.
  Also recognized were additional scholarships, the Departmental Award winners, the Class of 2023 National Honor Society members, Illinois State Scholars, DAR/SAR Award Winners, Illinois Principal’s Association Award winner, the Heisman High School Award, other sports recognition Awards, the Summa, Magna, and Cum Laude graduates, and IHSA Scholastic Achievement Award recipients.
  Thank you to the generous benefactors, and their friends and family, who contribute to these scholarship funds each year. Adding in the other private scholarships awarded and the institutional scholarships awarded, the Class of 2023 received over $800,000 in scholarships!
  See WGEL Daily News articles for more awards and photos: Academic Honors & Departmental Awards.

Gala Raises $25,000 For Academic Foundation

WGEL Daily News: The Bond County Unit 2 Academic Foundation held their annual gala fundraiser this past Saturday at Copper Dock Winery near Pocahontas. Auctioneers the Langham Brothers sold many collectibles and one of a kind school memorabilia to the large audience to benefit the foundation.
  The live auction lineup included: sports tickets, Unit 2 event passes (with reserved parking and/or seating!), catering packages, a weekend getaway, Muny season tickets, Unit 2 student works (12 of them!), Unit 2 staff creations, concert tickets, Unit 2 memorabilia, and several baskets.
  Foundation President Chance Vohlken told WGEL they were pleased with the turnout, the sponsors, and the results of the auction. A total of $25,000 was raised Saturday. He said that’s on par with what was raised in 2019—the last time the gala was held.
  Sponsored by the Bond County Community Unit 2 Academic Foundation, the virtual event still raised about $15,000 to enhance the educational experience of district students.
  The Academic Foundation funds grant requests from teachers throughout the district. The group has also committed to help fund students’ involvement in the KC Now Program that allows high school juniors and seniors to attend college level classes at Kaskaskia College, thereby getting a head start on their post-secondary education.
  Chance said the board has committed to funding $1,500 per semester for the fall, spring, and summer semesters. He said he believes they will continue that funding beyond next school year. The money raised Saturday will also provide a healthy budget for teacher grant requests in the fall.
  The event was sponsored, in part, by Bradford National Bank, HSHS Holy Family Hospital, Mundorf Law Group, FNB Community Bank, Bond County Realtors, Greenville Education Association, Greenville Optimists, Frank & Susan Watson, Peoples State Bank, Kaskaskia College, and Copper Dock.
  See WGEL article for sound bytes.

Unit Two Academic Foundation Grants Awarded

WGEL Daily News: At the recent Bond County Community Unit 2 Board of Education meeting, it was announced grants have been awarded by the Academic Foundation.
  High School Principal Kara Harris said that through donations, membership drives and fundraisers, the foundation supports Unit 2 schools through contributions to buildings and teachers, scholarships for students, and classroom grants for teachers.
  She mentioned various grants, including a laser printer, fossil sorting kit, drones, wireless document camera, Google TV, and digital camcorders, among many others. She said she’s excited to see all the imaginative projects and creative learning that will happen with those tools. The grants totaled $7,582.41.
  See WGEL article for a sound byte.

Academic Foundation Puttin’ Event A Big Success

WGEL Daily News & The Greenville Advocate: Saturday night’s Puttin’ Around The Square event by the Bond County Unit 2 Academic Foundation was a big success.
  Carley Fletcher, a board member and event organizer, said 32 teams played the nine-hole putt-putt golf course built by Bond County junior high students. She believes there were 150 to 200 people in attendance during the night.
  The weather was very good for the family friendly event.
  Fletcher said over $15,000 was raised in the event which replaced their traditional gala in 2022. In addition to golf, auction, music, food, drinks, and cash prizes, other activities were provided with members of the high school boys and girls basketball teams, volleyball team, and cheerleaders in attendance.
  Proceeds from the night will be used to fund teacher grants at all Unit 2 attendance centers.
  See WGEL article for more photos.

Greenville High School Academic Awards

The Greenville Advocate: Greenville High School Academic Foundation Academic Awards Program was held Thursday, May 19, at 5:30 p.m. The program began with a welcome by Principal Kara Harris. Scholarships were then presented.
  In total, the Class of 2022 received $1.3 Million in scholarships, from private organizations, and their chosen universities.
  B.C.C.U. #2 Academic Foundation scholarship recipients recognized during the program include:
  Alexis Griffin received the Ralph and Audrey Broom Scholarship; Ella Mendenhall received the Sara Cunningham Memorial Scholarship; Alison Ridens received the Jan Nevinger Memorial Scholarship; Elizabeth Campbell received the Dotti Corn Scholarship; Brooklyn Suzuki received the Art Bollinger Scholarship; Alison Ridens received the Jim and Thelma Keaster Scholarship; Cazdin Weber received the Roger and Mabel Reidemann Scholarship.
  Also recognized were the Departmental Award winners, the Class of 2022 National Honor Society members, Illinois State Scholars, DAR/SAR Award Winners, Illinois Principal’s Association Award winner, the Heisman High School Award, other sports recognition Awards, the Summa, Magna, and Cum Laude graduates, and IHSA Scholastic Achievement Award recipients.

Over $10,000 in Teacher Grants Funded by Foundation in 2021

At last week’s Board of Education meeting, Foundation representatives presented district staff with certificates acknowledging the funding of the grant request they made to the Academic Foundation.
  This year we had twenty four grant applications for a total of $20,500 in requests. Eight of these grants were found to fit the criteria for Title 1 funding so will be purchased by the district. Thirteen grants were selected by our selection committee to be funded for a total of $10,823.
  Recipients were: Amy Alderman – Ozbot Robots; Allison Martin – Samson Wireless System; GES 1st Grade Team – STEM Kits; Michelle May – Hands on STEM learning materials; Lauren Hutchinson – Magic Boards and Magnetic Letter tiles; Tonya Kampwerth – Safety mirrors; Parker Manhart – 9 Square in the Air Game; Gina Allen – Scale and Growing Light; Anne Langham – Fellowes Binding Machine; Terry Marshall – Grizzly Bandsaw; Ryan D’Arcy and Susan Corbus – Buzzer System for Scholar Bowl; GHS STEAM Lab – Hydrogen Cars; Character Education Committee – PD materials and books.
  We thank each of these teachers and administrators for taking the extra time to research, write and submit their grant requests, and we thank all of our Members, sponsors and donors for enabling us to fulfill our mission of supporting and advancing the education of BCCU2 students.
  Our Grant Committee works very closely with BCCU2 District Administrators to ensure that we make the best use of District Title Funds, and Foundation Grant Funds. This stewardship has led to the funding of close to, or more than $20,000 in classroom enrichment items each of the past 5 years.
  For more information, visit the Bond County Unit 2 Academic Foundation at www.bccu2af.org. Donors can make contributions online.
  Membership in the Academic Foundation is available beginning at the $25 giving level.
  Pictured Below — Front Row L-R: Dr. William Beckert - President Academic Foundation, Susan Corbus - GJHS & Ex-Officio Foundation Board Member, Tonya Kampwerth - PES, Lauren Vohlken - GES, Parker Manhart - GJHS Back Row L-R: Gary Brauns - Principal GJHS, Amy Alderman - GES, Ryan D’Arcy - GHS, Kara Harris - Principal GHS & Ex-Officio Foundation Board Member, Terry Marshall - GHS, Melissa Pierce - SES & Ex-Officio Foundation Board Member, Eric Swingler - Principal GES Present, but not Pictured: Bill Walker - Secretary Academic Foundation and Chance Vohlken - Vice President Academic Foundation

Academic Awards Program Honor Standout Students

The Greenville Advocate: Greenville High School recognized dozens of students earlier this month for exemplary work in the classroom and beyond. During the Bond County Community Unit #2 Academic Foundation’s annual academic awards program held on May 12, GHS staff honored those who made excellent grades, landed scholarship opportunities, and made a positive impact on the community.
  “They’ve been able to achieve academic distinction despite spending their senior year in the middle of a pandemic,” said Principal Kara Harris. “Parents and families, your support was integral in their fortitude, determination, and success.”
  This year’s senior class has secured hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of scholarships. “So far, our students have amassed close to three-quarters of a million dollars in scholarships, and we anticipate that number will climb,” said Harris.
  B.C.C.U. #2 Academic Foundation scholarship recipients recognized during the program include:
  Jarin Weber received the Ralph and Audrey Broom Scholarship; Joely Craver received the Sara Cunningham Memorial Scholarship; Gwynith Mitchell received the Jan Nevinger Memorial Scholarship; Kyra Wells received the Dotti Corn Scholarship; Fletcher Manhart received the Art Bollinger Scholarship; Emma Nord received the Jim and Thelma Keaster Scholarship; Noel Lyons received the Roger and Mabel Reidemann Scholarship.

Academic Foundation Holds Fifth Annual Gala—Virtually

The Greenville Advocate: Though it was different than previous years, organizers of Saturday’s fifth annual “Light the Way Gala” were happy that it occurred at all.
  Sponsored by the Bond County Community Unit 2 Academic Foundation, the virtual event still raised about $15,000 to enhance the educational experience of district students.
  “It went as well as we could’ve asked for,” said Dr. William Beckert, foundation president. “We decided to do it on Facebook Live this year, because the pandemic still restricts what we’re able to do in person.”
  Last March, the event had to be canceled because COVID-19 restrictions were being rolled out just days before the gala was scheduled.
  Traditionally, the gala has included at dinner, an auction (both live and silent), and entertainment. This year, the silent auction was conducted online in the two weeks leading up to the event (with help from Langham Auctioneers of Greenville), and the food consisted of to-go orders of meals by Pullin’ Pork of Greenville.
  The entertainment portion of the event involved video tours of district school buildings and conversations with several teachers and administrators about the impact that equipment provided by the foundation has had on their ability to teach students.
  Also part of this year’s event was a coronavirus-altered mini-concert by the Greenville High School Band. Members of the band were positioned—in a socially-distanced fashion—throughout the high school auditorium and filmed as they played a number of songs.
  “Over the past several years, we’ve been able to provide things like Chromebooks and Smart Boards for teachers in the district,” Beckert said. “It’s gratifying to see how our efforts have enhanced the things teachers can do in the classroom.”
  Each year, the foundation asks teachers to submit grant requests for equipment they’d like to purchase. Those projects are evaluated by foundation members, and grants are provided for projects they select.
  “Those funds allow teachers to do the extras in their classes,” Beckert said. “This is our way of supporting the teachers and their unique ways of teaching their students.”
  The event was sponsored, in part, by Bradford National Bank, FNB Community Bank, Enertech, and Charles Schwab (Tim Wayman of Edwardsville).

Academic Foundation Scholarships For Unit 2 High School Students

WGEL Daily News: Several senior students at Bond County Unit 2 High School have received local scholarships to help continue their education.
  Following are the recipients of various scholarships awarded by the Bond County Community Unit #2 Academic Foundation:
  Noah Mayfield received the Ralph and Audrey Broom Scholarship; Trista Kinkle received the Sara Cunningham Memorial Scholarship; Grace Baum received the Jan Nevinger Memorial Scholarship; Jolie Harnetiaux received the Dotti Corn Scholarship; Sarah Brannon received the Art Bollinger Scholarship; Chloe Beckert received the Jim and Thelma Keaster Scholarship; and Kylie Sussenbach received the Roger and Mabel Reidemann Scholarship.

GHS Seniors Awarded Scholarships, Awards

The Greenville Advocate: Every year, Greenville High School seniors gather with their families in the auditorium to be awarded for their hard work throughout their four years of schooling.
  Thursday [May 9, 2019] night’s [BCCU#2 Academic Foundation] Awards opened with a welcome statement from GHS Principal Wendy Porter.
  There were a total of 26 scholarships awarded at the ceremony and well over 30 awards handed out to students.
  Including the scholarships awarded on Thursday as well as additional scholarships from other sources, Porter noted that GHS seniors had received over $1.5 million total in scholarship funds.
  The scholarships awarded at the ceremony were those only available for Bond County students.
  The scholarships and recipients included: Madelyn Wade received the Ralph and Audrey Broom Scholarship; Emily Unterbrink received the Sara Cunningham Memorial Scholarship; John Campbell received the Jan Nevinger Memorial Scholarship; Allyson Cantrill received the Dotti Corn Scholarship; Evan Oakley received the Art Bollinger Scholarship; Jacqueline Forys received the Keaster Scholarship; Dalton Knerrer received the Reidemann Scholarship.
  Brock Nelson received the Sports Boosters Dale Jurgena Scholarship; Katie Hutchinson received the Sports Boosters Dotti Corn Scholarship; John Campbell and Chad Stearns received the Bradford National Bank Scholarships and the First National Bank Scholarships; Cole Wall received the Southwestern Electric Scholarship; Sarah Klenke received the Optimist General Scholarship; Dalton Knerrer received the Bill Wise Optimist Scholarship;
  Madelyn Wade received the BCCU#2 Character Education Scholarship; Emily Unterbrink received the VFW Post 1377 Scholarship; Chad Stearns and Cole Wall received the Judy Ernst Scholarship; Jacqueline Forys received the IL Association of School Administrators; Nia Ephron received the AMVETS Post 140 Scholarship; Dalton Knerrer received the Parr Family Scholarship and the Bond County High School Scholarship; and Olivia Langham and Chad Stearns received the Kaskaskia College Board of Trustees Scholarship.
  See WGEL article for more awards and photos. Pictured below are Departmental Awards recipients.

Gala Raises $26,000 for BCCU#2

The Greenville Advocate: Approximately $26,000 was raised for the Bond County Unit #2 Academic Foundation at the fourth annual “Light The Way Gala” fundraising event on Saturday. That total included about $16,600 from the silent and live auctions, plus another $10,000 from sponsorships, ticket sales, and a 50-50 drawing, according to Dr. William Beckert, president of the foundation. “It always surprises me how people are willing to go over the top in the auction - all to support educational opportunities in the district. Some of the bidding gets pretty competitive... The community really stepped up, once again.”...

Find photos from the 4th Gala at WGEL Daily News: Light The Way Gala Auction Brings In $16,000+.

Light The Way Gala is Set for March 23

The Greenville Advocate: Once a year, the academic foundation of the Bond County Community Unit #2 School District holds a fundraising event that supports the academic programs of the district. This year’s fourth annual “Light The Way Gala” will be held on Saturday, March 23, at Copper Dock Winery and Banquet Center. It’s an event that generates the lion’s share of the support raised by the organization each year. “... We used to do a lot of smaller events, [said Dr. William Beckert, president of the foundation,] but everybody seems to have a good time at the gala. They get a good meal, some live music, and a chance to socialize.” The other key part of the evening involves an auction, during which dozens of donated items [and experiences] are sold through either a live auction or a silent auction format. Last year, the “Light The Way Gala” dinner and auction generated about $25,000. Nearly $10,000 of that was awarded to district teachers who applied for grants to fund programs that go above and beyond the normal scope of specific classes. Another $16,000 went toward the establishment of a STEM lab at the high school where students will learn about science, technology, engineering and math. Organizers said that only a few tickets remain at Watson’s Drug Store, and when those are gone no more will be sold. Tickets are not available at the door...

INTERVIEW: Academic Foundation Assists With Unit 2 STEM Lab

WGEL Daily News: The Bond County Unit 2 Academic Foundation’s 4th Annual Light the Way Gala is coming up Saturday.
  Academic Foundation President Dr. Bill Beckert told WGEL the foundation exists to provide grants to teachers in all Unit 2 schools to fund classroom projects and to facilitate some scholarships in the spring. Four years ago the group created a new fundraising endeavor, the Light the Way Gala, featuring a dinner, silent and live auctions, live music, and more. All of the proceeds from that event benefit their mission.
  In addition to their usual grants, the Academic Foundation has partnered with the school district recently to provide a more substantial gift; partial funding for a STEM lab at Unit 2 High School in Greenville. STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math.
  Unit 2 Superintendent Wes Olson said the new lab provides a hands-on learning experience where students can create and collaborate. There are several technology hubs and will be a robotics component next year.
  The Light the Way Gala is Saturday, March 23 at Copper Dock Winery near Pocahontas. Doors open at 5 PM, dinner is served from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. and a live auction follows. Music from the Chapman Brothers will close out the evening. There will be a silent auction and other activities as well.
  Tickets are $50 apiece or $75 per couple and can be purchased at Watson’s Health Mart Drug Store or the Bond County Unit 2 office. Click below to hear Ryan Mifflin’s full interview with Academic Foundation President Dr. Bill Beckert and Unit 2 Superintendent Wes Olson.

  FULL INTERVIEW

20.32% of Teacher Grant Requests Remain Unfunded!

28 teacher grants have been awarded by the Bond County Unit 2 Academic Foundation in 2018, totaling over $19,000. But 35 total grant requests were submitted this year, leaving 7 classroom projects UNFUNDED!

• Find out which grant requests STILL NEED YOUR HELP! Individuals and organizations are invited to help fund additional teacher grants this school year.
• And learn more about the individual grants awarded this year ranging from $75 to $3,300.

• Help Today

Academic Foundation Funds Over $19,000 In Teacher Grants

WGEL Daily News: The Bond County Unit 2 Academic Foundation recently awarded 28 teacher grants, totaling over $19,000, to fund classroom projects.
  Teachers are invited to apply for Academic Foundation grants each year, requesting money for projects and equipment purchases the Unit 2 School District is unable to fund through their budget. A committee reviews all applications and selects a number of projects to fund in the fall.
  Individual grants awarded this year ranged from $75 to $3,300 and will be used to fund classroom projects ranging from maps and books to computer equipment and a machine that reconstitutes clay for use by art students.
  Grants were awarded to teachers in all Unit 2 schools in Greenville, Pocahontas, and Sorento.
  A total of 35 grant requests were submitted this year. Individuals and organizations are invited to help fund additional teacher grants this school year. Unfunded grants will be listed online at www.bccu2af.org. To learn more, contact Academic Foundation President Don Dillon at 618-664-9479.
  In the spring, the Academic Foundation committed $10,000 to be used for a STEM lab at Bond County Unit 2 High School. STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. $6,000 of the grant money distributed recently will go toward that project.
  Another new grant distributed this year is the first Lester Harnetiaux Memorial Grant. “Lester Harnetiaux was a great member of our foundation for very many years and was part of the Grant Committee,” explained current Grant Committee Chair, Melissa Pierce. “He had a real heart for teacher grants and getting things into the classroom.”
  The project selected to receive the inaugural grant is a Little Free Library Box, organized by a first grade class at Greenville Elementary School. The box will be displayed in the community and individuals will be welcome to borrow and leave books.
  Grants are funded by the Academic Foundation primarily through the group’s Annual Light the Way Gala. The 2019 event has been scheduled for Saturday, March 23 at Copper Dock Winery near Pocahontas and is sponsored in part by Bradford National Bank. A variety of additional sponsorships are available in connection with the event. Auction items are currently being collected for the gala. For more information on the Light the Way Gala, or to contribute an item for the auction, contact Academic Foundation Secretary Valerie Klenke at 618-367-5637.
  For more information, visit the Bond County Unit 2 Academic Foundation at www.bccu2af.org. Auction items for the upcoming gala will be posted on the website closer to the event and donors can make contributions online.
  Membership in the Academic Foundation is available beginning at the $25 giving level.

JoMama’s Signature Sweets Auctions Cake to Help the B.C.C.U. #2 Academic Foundation

From JoEllen: “August Give Back Cake Auction is complete! Thank you to all who participated on Thursday, August 29!.... In 2018, the monthly Give Back Cake Auction has put $701 to use across many charitable organizations in Bond County. This month two cakes were auctioned off and all proceeds go to BCCU#2 Academic Foundation and Bond County Crisis Pregnancy Center. I don’t usually divulge any information about the cakes until the auction starts. But, I was so excited for these two new flavors I gave a little hint! Think of beautiful fall evenings around a toasty fire with a cup of a warm flavored drink. Is your mouth watering, yet?
  Give Back Cake Auction #1 with proceeds going to BCCU#2 Academic Foundation = S’mores cake - 3 layer graham cracker cake with milk chocolate Ganache filling and toasted marshmallow frosting! Michelle Haller was the high bid of $102 after eight hours of social media auctioning! Thanks so much for supporting our schools!”
  Visit JoMama’s Signature Sweets on Facebook for more information about her business and giving back.

Senior Awards at GHS, Academic Foundation Scholarship Recipients

WGEL Daily News: The Bond County Unit 2 Academic Foundation senior awards program was Thursday night at the high school..... Receiving local scholarships were Tyler Bryant, Ralph and Audrey Broom Scholarship and Sarah Cunningham Memorial Scholarship; Daisy Kaplan, Jan Nevinger Memorial Scholarship and Sports Boosters Dotti Corn Memorial Scholarship; Mara Caldieraro, Academic Foundation Dotti Corn Scholarship and Bradford National Bank Scholarship; Kalie Meadows, Art Bollinger Scholarship and award and Kaskaskia College Board of Trustees Scholarship; Hannah Williams, Jim and Velma Keaster Scholarship, First National Bank Scholarship, Southwestern Electric Scholarship, Judy Ernst Scholarship and the Illinois Association of School Administrators Scholarship; Ryker Grove, Sports Boosters Dale Jurgena Memorial Scholarship and First National Bank Scholarship; Cody Gaffner, Bradford National Bank Scholarship; Justin Rieke, Southwestern Electric Scholarship; Joshua Brannon, Optimist General Scholarship; Zachary Bohannon, Bill Wise Optimist Scholarship; Emily Hogue, Unit 2 Character Education Scholarship; and Judy Ernst Scholarship; Elizabeth Blackmon, VFW Post 1377 Auxiliary Scholarship and 4-H Parr Scholarship; Chloe Schaufelberger, Class of 1967 Scholarship, and Joel Bemis, Kaskaskia College Board of Trustees Scholarship. See WGEL article for more awards and photos. Pictured below are Departmental Honors recipients.

Light The Way Gala Event Tops $16,000

The Greenville Advocate: The third annual “Light The Way” Gala raised more than $16,000 to enhance educational programs in the BCCU2 School District. The gala, held on Saturday night at Copper Dock Banquet Center, attracted a crowd of about 240 people and included both silent and live auctions to sell items donated to benefit the district’s foundation. “This is an event that does great things for our schools,” said Don Dillon, president of the Academic Foundation, the sponsor of the event. “It has really turned into a community-wide effort.”... The live auction, conducted by Langham Auctioneers, featured more than 60 items. Though all the numbers weren’t finalized on Saturday night, Dillon estimated that the auctions raised more than $16,000. Ticket sales, foundation memberships, and other revenue sources were still being tabulated... After the auction, Olson told The Advocate: “This event will help us with the STEM initiative at the high school... This event also is a great opportunity for us to share with the community some of the things we’re doing in our district. Not every district has an event like this, and it is only possible because of the great support our communities provide for our schools.”...

3rd Foundation Gala A Big Success Saturday Night

WGEL Daily News: The third annual Bond County Community Unit 2 Academic Foundation “Light The Way” Gala was held Saturday night at the Copper Dock Banquet Center near Pocahontas. The event is the foundation’s main fundraiser with proceeds being used to fund teacher grants for projects in all Unit 2 schools that may not otherwise be possible through the district’s budget. Unit 2 Superintendent Wes Olson gave the audience an example of items made possible by foundation grants. A 3-D printer was on display at the gala which had been provided to the Greenville Jr. High through a grant. Olson said students were able to learn beyond traditional books and have hands-on experiences thanks to the foundation. Olson also announced the foundation had committed $10,000 to be used for a STEM lab at Bond County Unit 2 High School. STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. Don Dillon, president of the Academic Foundation, told WGEL the gala was another successful event. He said those in attendance were stakeholders and he appreciates the ownership that they have in the local schools. Organizers have announced that the silent and live auctions from Saturday’s Gala totaled over $16,000. That figure does not include ticket sales and other funds raised.

Academic Foundation Gala To Benefit Unit 2 Classrooms

WGEL Daily News: The Bond County Unit 2 Academic Foundation will host its third annual “Light the Way” Gala Saturday, March 24 at Copper Dock Winery near Pocahontas. Doors open at 5:00 p.m. and dinner will be served at 6:00. Following the meal, a live auction will be held, featuring items such as [those which can be found on the Academic Foundation website’s Event Page].Silent auctions and a 50/50 drawing will also be held during the event... Live music will be provided at the Gala by the Chapman Brothers Acoustic Duo following the dinner and auction. Money raised through the “Light the Way” Gala will be used by the Bond County Unit 2 Academic Foundation to fund teacher grants for classroom projects in Greenville, Pocahontas, and Sorento Schools. In 2017, the Academic Foundation and Unit 2 School District partnered to fund over 40 grants to Unit 2 teachers, totaling over $22,000...

Unit 2 Board Meeting Held

The Greenville Advocate: The Bond County Community School District #2 monthly board meeting held Monday evening began with the recognition of Educational Excellence. Melissa Pierce was present to discuss the success of the Academic Foundation grants. Forty-nine requests for grants were submitted this year with a total of 40 being able to be funded... “We look forward to doing more in the future with the new funding model,” said Pierce. “The idea is to get more hands-on experiential things in the classroom for the kids that are supplemental to the curriculum,” she added. “The Academic Foundation has been a vital component of the education process here and has supported us in very tough times,” said Superintendent Dr. Wes Olson. “They have been dedicated in making sure our kids have opportunities and we appreciate that,” he added.

Over $22,000 in Teacher Grants Funded

The Bond County Unit 2 Academic Foundation awarded 26 teacher grants, totaling over $12,000, on Friday, November 10, during a district staff assembly.
  Teachers are invited to apply for Academic Foundation grants each year, requesting money for projects and equipment purchases the Unit 2 School District is unable to fund through their budget. A committee reviews all applications and selects a number of projects to fund in the fall.
  Giving the grant program an additional boost was the ability of the Unit 2 School District to fund 14 projects, totaling nearly $10,000, for a combined 40 classroom projects, exceeding $22,000.
  “We ended up getting a little more federal money than what we had previously received and a component of our title grants is to go to students in need of help with reading and math,” Bond County Unit 2 Superintendent Wes Olson explained. “There were a number of the applications for teacher grants that would fall under that category, so we were able to use some of those extra funds we received on the federal level to purchase some of those grants that had been requested by teachers.”
  The Academic Foundation may fund additional grants later in the current school year.
  Individual grants awarded ranged from $52 to over $1,100 and will be used to fund classroom projects ranging from world history activity sets, books, and art supplies to fitness sets, CSI kits, and infant care baby simulators.
  Grants were awarded to teachers in all Unit 2 schools in Greenville, Pocahontas, and Sorento.
  A total of 49 grant requests were submitted this year. Individuals and organizations are invited to help fund additional teacher grants this school year. To learn more, contact Academic Foundation President Don Dillon at 618-664-9479.
  Grants are funded by the Academic Foundation primarily through the group’s Annual Light the Way Gala. The 2018 event has been scheduled for Saturday, March 24 at Copper Dock Winery near Pocahontas and is sponsored by Bradford National Bank. A variety of additional sponsorships are available in connection with the event. Auction items are currently being collected for the gala. For more information on the Light the Way Gala, or to contribute an item for the auction, contact Academic Foundation Secretary Valerie Klenke at 618-367-5637.
  For more information, visit the Bond County Unit 2 Academic Foundation at www.bccu2af.org. Auction items for the upcoming gala will be posted on the website closer to the event and donors can make contributions online.
  Membership in the Academic Foundation is available beginning at the $25 giving level.

GHS Senior Awards, Academic Foundation Scholarship Recipients

WGEL Daily News: Greenville High School and the Bond County Unit 2 Academic Foundation recently held its annual senior academic awards program.... Winning local scholarships [awarded by the Academic Foundation] were Camden Wall, the Ralph and Audrey Broom Scholarship; Samantha Siefken, the Sara Cunningham Memorial Scholarship; Kayla Dannaman, the Jan Nevinger Memorial Scholarship; Ryan Hutchinson, the Art Bollinger Scholarship; Caleb Campbell, the Lester Harnetiaux Memorial Scholarship; Hanna Gaffner, the Roger and Mabel Riedemann Scholarship; and Logan Niehaus, Dotti Corn Memorial Scholarship... Principal Wendy Porter said the senior students have earned over $1.5 million in scholarships [including the 7 AF scholarships and at least 15 additional scholarships] for their future education.

The Greenville Advocate (May 16, 2017): The following students received scholarships from the Bond County Academic Foundation, from left to right: Ryan Hutchinson, Kayla Dannaman, Logan Niehaus, Hannah Gaffner, and Samantha Siefken. Camden Wall [pictured with AF representative]. Caleb Campbell. See WGEL article and Advocate SmugMug for more photos of award/scholarship winners.] Photos by Emily Lucia, Advocate staff writer.

Academic Foundation Gala A Success

WGEL Daily News: The Bond County Unit 2 Academic Foundation held their second annual Light the Way Gala earlier this spring. According to Academic Foundation Treasurer, Amanda Dussold, the event was a big success. Dussold said the gala generated just under $21,000 last year and just over $26,000 this year, for a 24% increase. Dussold and Foundation President Don Dillon said the foundation is putting an emphasis on funding the foundation’s endowment, with the goal of a self-sustaining source of teacher grant funds. Dussold and Dylan said naming opportunities are not just for scholarships…they also exist in regards to teacher grants. All teacher grants that are awarded are required to exceed twelve months in duration, ensuring that the funds and projects benefit several classes for years to come.

Foundation Announces Riedemann Scholarship

The Greenville Advocate: The B.C.C.U. #2 Academic Foundation has announced a new scholarship in honor of Mabel and Roger Riedemann. The Riedemann Scholarship is a four-year scholarship to be awarded to a Greenville High School senior who has been accepted and enrolled in a four year college or university. Preference will be given to those enrolled at Greenville University or the University of Illinois in the fields of Business, Finance, Agriculture, or Music Education... The $1,000 yearly scholarship will be awarded for the first time this spring to a 2017 graduate...

Gala Raises Funds To Aid Teachers, Students

The Greenville Advocate: More than 100 items - ranging from St. Louis Cardinal tickets, to steaks, to student artwork - were sold Saturday night at the second annual Light The Way Gala fundraising auction. Sponsored by the B.C.C.U. #2 Academic Foundation, the auction raised more than $16,000 to provide needed classroom resources for district teachers. “Fundraisers like this go straight to teachers and kids,” said Superintendent Wes Olson... Don Dillon, president of the academic foundation, said that the auction idea was first introduced last year, but already has proven to be a powerful tool to help teachers do their job better... At the beginning of the evening, the foundation unveiled its new logo. It consists of an image of a lighthouse surrounded by a half circle of people holding hands... The logo was created by Emma Nord, an eighth grader at GJHS. In the live auction portion of the program, 63 items were sold. The silent auction featured 48 items...

2nd Foundation Gala A Big Success Saturday Night

WGEL Daily News: The second annual Bond County Community Unit 2 Academic Foundation “Light The Way” Gala was a big success Saturday night. A large crowd of Unit 2 supporters attended the event at the Copper Dock Winery, north of Pocahontas. The gala is designed to raise money to support teachers and students in the district. Don Dillon, president of the foundation, was extremely pleased with the generosity of Unit 2 residents.... The auctions held during the gala raised over $16,000. Dillon said a complete financial report will be forthcoming. During the gala, a new logo was unveiled for the Academic Foundation. It was created by Emma Nord, an eighth grade student at Greenville Jr. High School.

INTERVIEW: Academic Foundation Gala

WGEL Daily News: The Bond County Unit #2 Academic Foundation will host its second annual Light the Way Gala on Saturday, March 25 at the Copper Dock Winery. Proceeds from the event will fund teacher grants for classroom projects in all Bond County Unit #2 schools. Click below to hear Ryan Mifflin’s full interview with Academic Foundation board members Laura Wall and Ashley Driemeyer about the upcoming gala.

  FULL INTERVIEW

Second Annual “Light The Way” Gala

WGEL Daily News: The Bond County Unit 2 Academic Foundation will host its second annual Light the Way Gala Saturday, March 25 at Copper Dock Winery near Pocahontas. Following the meal, a live auction will be held, featuring items such as [those which can be found on the Academic Foundation website’s Event Page]. Silent auctions will also be held during the event... Live music will be provided at the Gala by Taylor Steele and Shane Danosky. Money raised through the Light the Way Gala will be used by the Bond County Unit 2 Academic Foundation to fund teacher grants for classroom projects in Greenville, Pocahontas, and Sorento Schools. In 2016, the Academic Foundation awarded 24 grants to Unit 2 teachers, totaling nearly $20,000....

Bradford National Bank Double Platinum Sponsor for “Light The Way” Gala

WGEL Daily News: Bradford National Bank continues its tradition of supporting local organizations and events, with its double platinum sponsorship of the Bond County Unit #2 Academic Foundation “Light the Way” Gala. BNB Bank president and CEO Doug Stroud said, “As a long-time supporter of the Academic Foundation, we believe it is important to continue to invest in the youth of our county. Not only do we support the mission of the Academic Foundation, but have awarded $58,000 in academic scholarships to high school seniors.” Stroud added, “This year, in honor of our 150th anniversary, Bradford National Bank is upping the scholarship amount to $1,150.” Information to apply for the scholarship is available on the bank’s website at www.BradfordBank.com....

$20,000 In Teacher Grants

WGEL Daily News: The Bond County Unit 2 Academic Foundation awarded 51 teacher grants, totaling nearly $20,000, Friday, October 28 during a district staff assembly. Plus New Website Launched; Annual Gala Planned For March 25, 2017.

Unit 2 Academic Foundation Elects Officers

The Greenville Advocate: ...Seven foundation board officers were re-elected to two-year terms... [another] was welcomed as a new board member.

Opportunity To Help Fund Unit 2 Projects

WGEL Daily News: The Bond County Unit 2 Academic Foundation is preparing to review teacher grant applications for the current school year.

Greenville High Senior Awards

WGEL Daily News: Class of 2016 Scholarship winners. Students were awarded over $1.1 million.

GES Spring Concert

WGEL Daily News: The Bond County Unit 2 Academic Foundation hosted a cookout prior to the concert, raising funds to benefit a new scholarship in memory of Lester Harnetiaux.

Academic Foundation Offers Scholarships

WGEL Daily News: The Bond County Unit 2 Academic Foundation is offering scholarships to graduating seniors of Unit 2 High School.

GHS Peter Pan Cast Entertains At Academic Foundation Gala

WGEL Daily News: Between dinner and the auction, students from Greenville High School's production of 'Peter Pan' entertained the audience with dialog and a few musical selections.

Preliminary Total Shows Over $16,000 Raised At First Academic Foundation Gala

WGEL Daily News: The gala was a sold-out affair and included a large live and silent auction.

Academic Foundation To Host First Annual Gala March 19

WGEL Daily News: Doors open at 5:00 p.m. and dinner will be served at 6:00. Following the meal, a live auction will be held.

Anonymous Donors Fund Bond County Community Foundation Awards To Local Organizations

WGEL Daily News: Checks in a total of $42,500 were presented to seven Greenville charitable groups.

Unit 2 Academic Foundation Funds 24 Teacher Grants

WGEL Daily News: The funds will be used by teachers in Greenville, Pocahontas, and Sorento to purchase items such as books, ipads, audio equipment, flash cards, projectors, printers, and rocket kits.