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GFH Student Videos Tell Our Story

RELEASE DATE: May 18, 2022 — When the Great Falls Public Schools Foundation wanted to share information about recent grant-sponsored projects with our donors and supporters, we turned to Great Falls High teacher Kelly Wiles and his students.

They created videos highlighting the positive impact that innovative classroom grants have on student learning. At the same time, the video students received real-world production and editing experience, along with feedback from an outside client. …

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$20,000 Donation to Support Indigenous Education Programs

RELEASE DATE: February 8, 2022 – This spring raised garden beds will be built at every public school in Great Falls. The first plantings will be sweetgrass, a plant held sacred by many Native American tribes. The project kicks off a multifaceted partnership between a creative educator and generous donor. …

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New Ken Maddox Scholarship and Others Available January 1st

RELEASE DATE: December 29, 2021 – Just over a year ago, Great Falls lost a beloved educator and coach to Covid-19. Ken Maddox spent his career teaching, starting at Lincoln and Chief Joseph elementary schools, then spending a combined 17 years at Paris and East middle schools. Great Falls High (GFH) basketball fans knew him as the longtime assistant basketball coach.(Photo Credit Great Falls Tribune/Rion Sanders) …

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Thank You for Placing Your Trust in The Foundation

RELEASE DATE: December 13, 2021 – As 2021 comes to a close, we invite you to review highlights of just some of this year’s successes. For the past decade, the Foundation has enthusiastically worked to provide scholarships, teacher grants, building enhancements, student and teacher recognition and equity efforts. Our success depends on the generosity of our donors. Your willingness to partner with us remains our greatest asset and we thank you. If you would like to contribute a year-end gift, please click here. …

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Six New Scholarships Available Through the Foundation

RELEASE DATE: October 14, 2021 — Four years ago, Great Falls pediatrician Deb Garrity transitioned from caregiver to patient with the diagnosis of stage 4 breast cancer that had spread to her bones. She saw firsthand how that diagnosis also impacted the lives of her children and others close to her. 

In recognition of the hardship an ill parent poses on families–and in continuing her lifelong history of caring for others–Deb and her family created the DM Garrity MD Scholarship. Two $1,000 scholarships will be offered for students graduating from any Great Falls high school who have, or are currently, navigating the chronic or terminal illness of a parent or caregiver. 

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Holocaust Compassion Project Art and Video at Paris Gibson Square

RELEASE DATE: September 9, 2021 — Oftentimes a child first learns about the Holocaust from a textbook or as part of a larger lesson on World War II. But those students who hear actual stories from a Holocaust survivor can gain a much deeper level of understanding and empathy. 

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Truck Raffle Supports Kids and Schools

RELEASE DATE: July 22, 2021 — Here’s a fun, easy way to support public schools and their students – buy a truck raffle ticket!  Every dollar spent directly benefits a student organization or a classroom grant. The Win This Truck Raffle is the most popular fundraiser for the Great Falls Public Schools Foundation. …

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Davidson Family Auditorium – A Generous $2 Million Gift

RELEASE DATE: May 26,2021 — As students, teachers and families navigated the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, an 18-month transformation took place behind the scenes. The historic stage and auditorium at Great Falls High School were renovated and completely updated. This video shows the extensive improvements made and the importance of this heartfelt gift to our community.

The project was made possible by the largest gift ever administered by the Foundation. It was funded by Ian and Nancy Davidson, longtime community and education supporters. As Covid-19 restrictions ease, the public will soon be able to enjoy this state-of-the-art venue.

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