Geneva Academic Foundation makes donation to schools

The significance of the effort made by members of the Geneva Academic Foundation and others in the community the past year were not lost upon foundation chairman John Shogren.

"Even in this tough economy, we're still able to give more to the school district than we have in the past," Shogren said during the annual Community Leadership Breakfast Wednesday at Geneva High School.

The leadership breakfast, part of American Education Week, brings community leaders together with school officials, staff and students to recognize the efforts of those who support the schools through their leadership in the community.

The academic foundation's annual donation is traditionally announced at the event.

GAF Project Search Chairman Mary Bencini announced the foundation will donate $69,468 to supply educational tools, program materials and other needed items throughout the district.

"We are proud of our efforts in supporting Geneva schools and we look forward to doing it again next year," Bencini said in presenting the check to school board President Mary Stith and Superintendent Kent Mutchler.

Shogren praised the work done by Bencini in working closely with every principal in determining where the foundation's money could best be utilized.

"There wasn't one major project this year," Shogren said. "It was more of a balancing act, in making sure we were able to help in as many places as possible."

The foundation has raised more than $900,000 for the schools since its creation in 1987, Bencini said.

Those in attendance at the breakfast in the high school cafeteria were greeted by the music of the Geneva High School String Quartet of Elaine Spiegel, Mark Sieber, Laura Jandura and Alec VanThournout, under the direction of Julie Lawrence-Loucas.