A Combined 27 Years of Commitment and Service

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Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.—Margaret Mead

RELEASE DATE: September 30, 2020 — In 2011 three community leaders were nominated to serve on the founding board of directors for the newly formed Great Falls Public Schools Foundation. These three women accepted the challenge and dedicated their time, talent, and resources to enhancing education in Great Falls. They served on the Foundation Board for nine years each contributing a combined 27 years of their keen insight which has been so important in making this Foundation a success. As their terms of board service come to an end, we want to share with you a little about these incredible women.

The Foundation would like to recognize their invaluable service to the board and to improving teaching and learning in our public schools. …

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handicap accessible playground

A 100-Year Connection Leads To New Playground

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RELEASE DATE: August 27, 2020 — Back in the 1920s, the Ford Building in downtown Great Falls housed several business offices including those of dentist Dr. Roy Severance, attorney A.H. Gray and stockbroker David Adams Davidson. It’s unknown how well these men knew each other, but a century later their descendants came together in a project to benefit Great Falls kids.

“It’s like a full-circle,” said Doug Grey of the three families. “We assume our grandparents had at least social or professional relationships. Now two generations later we’ve joined together once again.” …

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How Scholarships Change Lives

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Foundation Awards $336,615 in Scholarships in 2020

RELEASE DATE: June 25, 2020 — A few short years ago, Katie Beisecker saw no future for herself. Buffeted by depression and anxiety, the Great Falls teen lost hope and tried to end her life. But now her story is unfolding differently.

This fall Katie is headed to the University of Montana-Western in Dillon, along with a substantial scholarship made possible by the estate of a local family. Katie points to a caring school environment and the Jennifer Joy Astrin Memorial Scholarship as two factors in giving her a new path forward. …

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Recognizing Talented Teachers and Graduating Seniors

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RELEASE DATE: June 1, 2020 — For nine years the GFPS Foundation’s Excellence in Education program has celebrated outstanding students and teachers.

The program recognizes top graduating seniors who meet the tough requirements to be Distinguished Scholars and Achievers. Each student selects two educators who most inspired them and had a positive impact on their education.

…

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Community Generosity Fills Food Pantries

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RELEASE DATE: April 27, 2020 — This is what heart looks like:  Coronavirus slams the door on Great Falls Public Schools, and the community immediately steps in to make sure children are fed.

When schools closed in mid-March, the GFPS District immediately set in motion plans to get breakfast and lunch to children who otherwise would eat at school.  But it quickly became apparent the need was far greater. …

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Students and Teachers Recognized for Excellence

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RELEASE DATE: January 18, 2020 — There’s never a quiet month at the Great Falls Public Schools Foundation, and February is no different. This month we launched our Excellence in Education Awards, its notification time!

“I always say I have the best job in Great Falls, and this is certainly part of it,” said Dave Crum, the Foundation’s executive director. This month is when he notifies top students at C. M. Russell High School, Great Falls High School, and Paris Gibson Education Center that they’re being honored for their work. …

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Ukulele Grant

Foundation Breaks the Mold with Special Music Grant

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RELEASE DATE: January 28 2020 — The cheerful strum of ukuleles is an unexpected treat as it drifts down the hallway at Paris Gibson Education Center.

The city’s alternative high school doesn’t offer a formal music program, but thanks to a grant from the Great Falls Public Schools Foundation, dozens of students are getting a fun chance at music education. …

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Candice English

New Foundation Scholarship in Support of Native American Women

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The Sisters United Initiative

RELEASE DATE: November 26, 2019 — Candice English has social conscious, deep creativity and strong business skills. She drew on them all to create the new Sisters United Scholarship.

Candice is the founder and owner of The Farmers Daughter Fibers, a Great Falls-based business that hand dyes lushly colored and textured yarns. She has a small retail shop, but most of her seven employees are busy dyeing and shipping fibers to retail and wholesale customers across the country.

She sees the business as not only a way to make a living, but also to make a difference. …

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GFPS Foundation Grant Brings Metzelaar to Great Falls

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RELEASE DATE: October 8, 2019 — Don’t miss a rare opportunity to hear the inspiring story of a living Holocaust survivor Oct. 15 at the Mansfield Theater.

Brought to Great Falls by a grant from the Great Falls Public Schools Foundation, Peter Metzelaar shares his dramatic story of living in hiding for nearly three years.  The public presentation is at 7 p.m. and tickets are available at the door for $5 each. …

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Donate A One Time Or Ongoing Scholarship For High School Graduates

Setting up an educational scholarship fund can be a meaningful way to give back to your community or to honor a loved one. There are a number of things to consider when planning a scholarship. Please contact the Foundation for assistance, we are happy to help you. Contact Stephanie Becker at [email protected] or call (406) 268-6021.

(406) 268-6021