After a successful inaugural year, the Adopt a Grant program in Friendswood ISD has once again set up a series of grants turned in by teachers in the six campuses as opportunities to be adopted by local community partners.
         To date, 32 grants have been adopted prior to the Education Foundation’s upcoming Havana Blues gala Feb. 12 at the Hotel ZaZa in Houston. It was there last year that the new program of adoptions was introduced.
         Foundation Director Edwina Vidosh was the first person to adopt a grant this year. She purchased a green screen package for the Media Broadcasting department at Friendswood High School.
         “It just spoke to me and I knew it was the one I wanted to adopt,” Vidosh said. “This is a great way for people and businesses in the community to help our schools in FISD.”
         Texas First Bank of Friendswood is the first business to adopt a grant. In fact, the business adopted seven grants!
         “We were so happy to be the first company to adopt these grants,” Assistant Vice President/Manager Ludi Smith said. “We were so happy to see that some of the recipients are our customers so we are doubly happy to make their classroom dreams come true.”
         Other individuals who have already adopted grants include Foundation Directors Lesley DiBello, Selena Ellis, and Elaine Manning, Deputy Superintendent Sherry Green, Distinguished Alumnus Chris Henchy, the Margaret Ballard family, parents/community partners Sarah Van Riper and Janique Carbone.
         Last year over $20,000 in grants were adopted by local individuals and groups through the Friendswood ISD Education Foundation. The grants were presented to the teachers in a surprise visit by Foundation members and community partners.
         “What is so wonderful is that these are needs and dreams come true for teachers who do not have the budgets to order these types of curriculum supplies to offer our students above and beyond what they have to use each day,” Deputy Superintendent Sherry Green said. “We are so thankful to those who donate to fund these grants.”        
         The Adopt a Grant program was initiated at last year’s Luv Ya Blue gala, the FISD Education Foundation’s major fundraiser held last Valentine’s Day Weekend at Hotel ZaZa. It was a huge success.
         “Some people aren’t interested in auctions, either silent or live and would rather give directly to grants,” Foundation President Guy Crouch said. “Others want to do it all. Any way it is done, helps the Foundation provide wonderful additions to our students’ learning and we are thankful for those who help educate and prepare ours students for outstanding futures.”