The Cherokee County Educational Foundation (CCEF) will present its 5th Annual “Celebration of Education” Gala fundraiser on Saturday, March 9, 2019 at the Northside Hospital-Cherokee Conference Center.
We are very excited about our event to benefit the schools and students of the Cherokee County School District. This black-tie night includes dinner, the “CCSD’s Got Talent” Student Talent Show, Silent Auction and special recognitions of outstanding Alumni and Educators. We are asking for your support.
CCEF's fifth annual Golf Classic was at BridgeMill Athletic Club on Monday, October 8. Thank you for making our Annual Golf Classic an Amazing Success.
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Over the past five years, the Chick-fil-A Cherokee County Moo’ve It 5K has grown to become one of the largest road races in North Georgia.
It is held at the beautiful Etowah River Park and this year's date is Saturday, August 11th. It is presented by Chick-fil-A Cherokee County and Southeast Restoration, and benefits the Cherokee County Educational Foundation and Cherokee County Special Olympics.
The Moo've It 5K includes a morning of fun for the entire family, including activities for children, entertainment, and goodie bags with treats from Chick-fil-A and our sponsors.
The school zone with the highest participation rate will split $2500.
The most creative “Cow” runner will win Chick-fil-A for a year! The contest will be judged prior to the race's start.
Download Sponsorship Level Packages PDF
The Cherokee County Educational Foundation hosted their Fourth Annual "Celebration of Education" Gala on Saturday, March 10th, at the Northside Hospital-Cherokee Conference Center.
The Superintendent was the Honorary Chairman, and the entire evening was filled with recognition of past and present staff, students and a few surprises along the way.The gala sold out again this year as the foundation continues to break new ground with the event. Below are photos from a wonderful night!
The Cherokee County Educational Foundation Board presented Dr. Brian Hightower, CCSD Superintendent and Kyla Cromer, CCSD School Board Chair with a check for $45,018 to help with special grants in the district. These monies will be used for several special grant programs including graduation coaching assistance for high school seniors with special needs, and Course Extension opportunities.
Course Extension is a pilot program in the school district that allows students that did not pass a class, but received an average between 65-69 to enroll in a 10 hour intensive unit recovery. If the student earns a minimum of an 80 on their assignments and tests in that unit, their 65-69 is replaced with a 70 average and allows them to regain the course credit without great expense or too much time.
Lisa-Marie Haygood has been hired to serve as the new Executive Director for the Cherokee County Educational Foundation.
Haygood has served as an Educational Consultant with the Georgia School Boards Association, is a member of the National PTA Legislative Committee, and serves as the Immediate Past-President of the Georgia Congress of Parents and Teachers (Georgia PTA).
She brings several years of non-profit management experience and a great deal of enthusiasm for public schools to her new role.
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CCEF raised over $38,000 for the Cherokee County School District at this tournament!
Since its establishment in 2012, CCEF has awarded more than $205,000 in grants to students, teachers and schools. The nonprofit, charitable foundation seeks funding and resources to enrich schools in areas not fully funded in the regular school program.See our photo gallery slideshow for all many great photos from this wonderful event.
The Cherokee County Educational Foundation will build upon the success of its past two events with the presentation of its Third Annual “Celebration of Education” Gala benefitting the Cherokee County School District on Saturday, March 11, 2017.
The black-tie optional event at the Northside Hospital-Cherokee Conference Center in Canton begins with a cocktail hour and silent auction at 6:30 p.m. and dinner, awards and entertainment at 7:30 p.m. The event’s presenting sponsor is Northside Hospital-Cherokee.
“Our past two galas have been so successful that we can’t wait for this year’s event,” CCEF Board President William “Billy” G. Hasty Jr. said. “Our sponsors and guests help us celebrate the important work being done every day by our School District and raise funds to benefit CCSD students, teachers and schools.”
Since its establishment in 2012, CCEF has awarded more than $205,000 in grants to students, teachers and schools. The nonprofit, charitable foundation seeks funding and resources to enrich schools in areas not fully funded in the regular school program.
2017 Recipient Patsy JordanGuests will enjoy hors d’oeuvres, a cash bar, raffle with cash prizes and silent auction during the cocktail hour reception, followed by dinner, dessert and the program. The entertainment will be the third annual “CCSD’s Got Talent” student talent show featuring the best act from each of CCSD’s six high schools in competition for a $1,000 grand prize and $500 runner-up prize.
Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian V. Hightower is the event’s Honorary Chair, and there will be special recognitions of outstanding alumni and educators as part of the evening’s festivities.
2017 Recipient Roger GarrisonA presentation of the third annual Alumni of the Year Awards will honor one alumnus and one alumna of CCSD high schools for outstanding professional and civic contributions.
This year’s recipients, who were selected by the CCEF Board, are life-long resident of Cherokee County and Cherokee County Board of Education Member, Patsy Jordan and Roger Garrison, who successfully served as Sheriff of Cherokee County for an unprecedented 24 years.
Foundation Board Members, Amanda Arnold of Credit Union of Georgia and Community and PTA volunteer Debbie Rabjohn, are the Gala Co-Chairs.
The Cherokee County Educational Foundation held its Fourth Annual Golf Classic on October 31 at Hawks Ridge Golf Club. Partnering with presenting sponsors Bill Holt Chevrolet and Northside Hospital Cherokee enabled this year's classic to "out drive" all expectations and raise over $42,000 to support CCSD schools, teachers and students.
Silver: Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Cobb EMC, Community Foundation and The Home Depot;
Patron: Aramark, Batson-Cook, Buck Consultants, Charles Schwab - Michael and Charity Whitney Family Charitable Fund, Cherokee Computer Services, Credit Union of Georgia, Hasty Properties, Interceramic, KRH Architects, Roach Caudill & Gunn Attorneys, The Original Mattress Factory and Universal Alloy
Individual Sponsors: Goshen Valley Foundation, Win2ition
In-kind: Chick-fil-A of Canton and Sisson Media Corporation
Hole Sponsors: Chattahoochee Technical College, Covenant Plumbing, Credit Union of Georgia, Hasty-Pope Attorneys, Nova, United Community Bank and Woodstock Furniture Outlet
The tournament began with a special thank you to Bill Holt Chevrolet and Northside Hospital Cherokee for their on-going sponsorship and commitment to our county's quality education. CCEF Board President William "Billy" G. Hasty Jr., along with Fundraiser Co-Chairs, Colleen Blackwell and Shuntel Beach, expressed their deep gratitude for their continued support of Cherokee County Schools, as well as for Dr. Brian Hightower, Cherokee County School Superintendent, for serving as the event's Honorary Chairman and for his support to CCEF.
"We are privileged to be able to award $90,000 in grants to the schools this year and would not have been able to do so if it were not for the support of our generous sponsors, the School Board and Dr. Hightower," Mr. Hasty said during his remarks.
CCEF will be awarding $90,000 in grants to CCSD schools, teachers and students this school year including IMPACT Grants, which are presented every February to teachers with winning applications.
The day ended with an exciting "19th hole" awards banquet for the players and announcement of tournament winners. Awards were given to all sponsors, and of course, to the winning teams. Children's Healthcare of Atlanta's foursome took first place in the competition; the Cobb EMC team placed second; and the combination foursome of representatives from Chick-fil-A Canton, Goshen Valley and Win2ition placed third.
The trophies, as have become a CCEF Golf Classic tradition, were designed and crafted by art students at all of CCSD's high schools. Each school's art department will be given an honorarium donation by CCEF in appreciation for their original and creative work.
Friday September 2nd was an exciting day for Hasty Elementary School Fine Arts Academy. Members of the CCEF board dropped in to award 25 Surface tablet Computers to Ms. Nicole Dahlberg, Hasty's computer lab teacher! She was the recipient of the foundation's Technology Challenge Grant. Ms. Dahlberg was surprised in the cafeteria with balloons and lots of Hasty Huskies cheers! Congratulations Ms. Dahlberg!!
The second Annual Chick-fil-A Connect Race Series Moo've It 5K & Fun Run raised $18,776! All proceeds go to Cherokee County Educational Foundation as well as Cherokee County Special Olympics.
Congratulations to Teasley Middle School for winning the highest participation in the 5K for the second year in a row. Their awesome efforts earned them $1000 to help their school.
Congratulations to 2nd place winner Creekview High School who received $500.
Big thanks to Chic-fil-A and Kevin Williams for always supporting Cherokee County Schools and our community!
The winners of the Cherokee County Educational Foundation’s third annual “On the Road with CCEF” Contest traveled the globe spreading its message of supporting public education!
Through the contest, the Cherokee County School District employee who wore his or her CCEF 2016 T-shirt at the furthest location from Cherokee County during summer break would win a $200 Visa gift card. Every CCSD employee who entered the contest (even those who didn’t travel far) also was eligible for a drawing for a $100 Visa gift card.
Employees shared photos of their travels in their CCEF T-shirts to foreign countries to learn, visit loved ones and volunteer. Foundation Board Secretary Amanda Arnold said the contest is a wonderful way to raise awareness for CCEF and thank educators.
The Cherokee County Educational Foundation’s second annual “Celebration of Education” Gala on March 12 raised a record total in donations benefitting the Cherokee County School District and honored outstanding teachers, students, partners, volunteers and alumni.
The black-tie optional event at the Cherokee Conference Center in Canton, co-hosted by CCEF and presenting sponsor Northside Hospital-Cherokee, netted more than $56,000 and was attended by more than 350 guests and included dinner, awards, a silent auction and the “CCSD’s Got Talent” high school student talent show.
The nonprofit, charitable organization raises awareness and funds to support CCSD schools, students and teachers. All money raised through CCEF fundraisers benefits CCSD schools, students and teachers through grants and other support… $120,000 has been awarded since its establishment in 2012.
“The Gala’s success is growing each year thanks to our community’s outstanding support,” CCEF Board President William “Billy” G. Hasty Jr. said. “We are so grateful to have the opportunity to support our School District.”
The “CCSD’s Got Talent” grand prize winner, Woodstock High School’s duo of Katelyn Nacon and April Schlinkert, won a $1,000 grant for the school; and the runner-up, Creekview High School’s Men’s Chorus, won a $500 grant. Each of the schools received an honorarium for participating in the competition.
Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian V. Hightower was honored as the event’s Honorary Chair, and other special guests included the CCSD Teacher of the Year, Media Specialist of the Year, Counselor of the Year, Volunteer of the Year and Partner of the Year. Foundation Board Members Amanda Arnold, Vice President for Credit Union of Georgia, and Debbie Rabjohn, CCSD parent and PTA volunteer, served as Gala Committee Co-Chairs.
Foundation Board President William ‘Billy’ G. Hasty Jr. presents an Alumni of the Year Award to Frankie Shepherd.The Gala presented the second annual Alumni of the Year Awards, which honor at least one CCSD high school alumnus and one alumna each year for outstanding professional and civic contributions. The recipients were Frankie Shepherd, a lifetime educator who retired as Principal of her alma mater, Ralph Bunche High School (now Center), and has volunteered in numerous community service roles; and Gene Norton, a lifetime educator who served as Cherokee County Superintendent of Schools and in roles for the Georgia Department of Education and Reinhardt University.
Both honorees were applauded with standing ovations, and Mr. Hasty presented them with plaques featuring CCEF medallions made by Creekview High School teacher Linda Nicholson and her students.
Whenever an Alumni of the Year also is a retired educator, such as both of this year’s honorees, they will be added to that year’s class for the Cherokee County Educators Hall of Fame, a new initiative announced at last year’s Gala by CCEF. The Hall of Fame will open next year in the Dr. Frank R. Petruzielo Educational Services Complex now under construction at The Bluffs in Canton. The community will be invited to make nominations of retired educators for a new class of inductees each year, and the winners will be recognized with a ceremony and the addition of their names to the Hall of Fame plaque displayed at the new complex.
Foundation Board President William ‘Billy’ G. Hasty Jr., right, listens as Alumnus of the Year Gene Norton speaks.During the Gala, Ms. Arnold made a surprise announcement: the CCEF Board had unanimously voted to make recently retired Superintendent of Schools Dr. Frank R. Petruzielo a member of the Hall of Fame’s charter class to be inducted next year.
“While this is a surprise announcement, it should come as no surprise to everyone here who knows and appreciates Dr. P’s legacy,” Ms. Arnold said of the recognition. Dr. Petruzielo, who was a guest at the Gala, then received a standing ovation.
A new project being undertaken by CCEF also was announced at the Gala: the establishment of the CCEF Technology Challenge Grant, which will be piloted at Hasty Elementary School Fine Arts Academy. Teachers will have the opportunity to apply for this competitive grant to earn tablet devices for every child in their class to use, and the teacher will receive Microsoft Innovative Educator certification and other special training.
“We’re starting this grant with enough funding, $9,500, for one classroom at one school,” Mr. Hasty said, noting that Aramark Education Management already has pledged financial support. “We hope that with more businesses’ support, we’ll be able to grow this grant to even more classrooms and schools!”
The evening included many special recognitions of educators and students including the cocktail hour music provided by Mill Creek Middle School students, the second year of service by Indian Knoll Elementary School Assistant Principal John Carter as master of ceremonies and the centerpieces created by Cherokee High School agriculture teacher Ashton Meeks and her students. The Foundation presented grants to all of these schools, as well as the Creekview High’s art department, as honorariums of appreciation for their participation.
The Gala was made possible due an impressive list of sponsors that joined presenting sponsor, Northside Hospital-Cherokee, in supporting CCEF:
VALEDICTORIAN SPONSORSPhotos below provided by LIFETOUCH:
Cherokee County Educational Foundation ‘Celebration of Education’ Gala Co-Chairs Amanda Arnold, left, and Debbie Rabjohn, congratulate Woodstock High School’s April Schlinkert left, and Katelyn Nacon for winning the “CCSD’s Got Talent” high school student talent show held as part of the second annual event on March 12 at the Cherokee Conference Center. As first-place winners, the school received a $1,000 grant from the Foundation and a trophy.
Foundation Board President William ‘Billy’ G. Hasty Jr. presents an Alumni of the Year Award to Frankie Shepherd.
Foundation Board President William ‘Billy’ G. Hasty Jr., right, listens as Alumnus of the Year Gene Norton speaks.
Foundation Board Vice President Billy Hayes, left, CEO of presenting sponsor Northside Hospital-Cherokee, speaks during the program, as President William ‘Billy’ G. Hasty Jr. looks on.
Woodstock High School’s April Schlinkert, left, and Katelyn Nacon perform, ‘Toxic vs. Sweater Weather,’ which earned their school the top prize in the ‘CCSD’s Got Talent’ competition and a $1,000 grant from CCEF.
Creekview High School’s Men Chorus, which performed ‘Tell My Father,’ was named runner-up in the ‘CCSD’s Got Talent’ competition and won a $500 grant from CCEF for the school.
Cherokee High School’s Shandrea Tolbert performs ‘I Know Where I’ve Been.’
River Ridge High School’s Percussion Quintent presented ‘Bounce’ for its entry in ‘CCSD’s Got Talent.’
Sequoyah High School’s Nikki Johnson, John Haas and Eli Wheeler perform ‘Don’t Stop Believing.’
Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian V. Hightower served as Honorary Chairman of the event.
The Cherokee County Educational Foundation will build upon the success of its inaugural event with the presentation of its Second Annual “Celebration of Education” Gala benefitting the Cherokee County School District on Saturday, March 12, 2016.
The black-tie optional event at the Northside Hospital-Cherokee Conference Center in Canton begins with a cocktail hour and silent auction at 6:30 p.m. and dinner, awards and entertainment at 7:30 p.m. The event’s presenting sponsor is Northside Hospital-Cherokee.
“Our inaugural Gala was such a success that we can’t wait for this year’s event,” CCEF Board President William “Billy” G. Hasty Jr. said. “Our sponsors and guests help us celebrate the important work being done every day by our School District and raise funds to benefit CCSD students, teachers and schools.”
Since its establishment in 2012, CCEF has awarded more than $115,000 in grants to students, teachers and schools. The nonprofit, charitable foundation seeks funding and resources to enrich schools in areas not fully funded in the regular school program.
Frankie ShepardGuests will enjoy hors d’oeuvres, a cash bar, raffle with cash prizes and silent auction during the cocktail hour reception, followed by dinner, dessert and the program. The entertainment will be the second annual “CCSD’s Got Talent” student talent show featuring the best act each from CCSD’s six high schools in competition for a $1,000 grand prize and $500 runner-up prize.
Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian V. Hightower is the event’s Honorary Chair, and there will be special recognitions of outstanding alumni and educators as part of the evening’s festivities.
The Second Annual Alumni of the Year Awards, which will honor at least one alumnus and one alumna of CCSD high schools each year for outstanding professional and civic contributions, will be presented.
Gene NortonThis year’s recipients, who were unanimously selected by the CCEF Board, are Frankie Shepherd, a lifetime educator who retired as Principal of her alma mater, Ralph Bunche High School (now Center), and has volunteered in numerous community service roles; and Gene Norton, a lifetime educator who served as Cherokee County Superintendent of Schools and in roles for the Georgia Department of Education and Reinhardt University.
Foundation Board Members, Amanda Arnold of Credit Union of Georgia and CCSD parent and PTA volunteer Debbie Rabjohn, are the Gala Co-Chairs.
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The Cherokee County Educational Foundation on Friday, Feb. 12, 2016 surprised Cherokee County School District teachers and students with a record total of $25,000 awarded through its third annual round of competitive IMPACT Grants.
The grants, which represent a significant increase from the $15,000 awarded last school year, will fund 13 innovative projects. Products will range from a desktop mill, so high school students can machine parts for robots they design, to a writing program for elementary school students that uses Lego block sets to spark creative storytelling.
Cherokee County Educational Foundation Board Secretary Amanda Arnold said the day of surprise “Prize Patrol”-style grant presentations with oversized checks, balloons, bouquets of flowers and cheering crowds of students is the “highlight of the year” for the Board.
“Every year around Valentine’s Day, our hearts are filled, as we show CCSD schools, teachers and students how much the community loves them,” said Ms. Arnold, who represents Credit Union of Georgia on the Board. “We received more than 40 outstanding applications this year, and each one was inspiring, as they illustrated how much more teachers would do in their classrooms if additional grant funding was available.”
Since 2013, the Foundation has awarded more than $115,000 in grants to CCSD schools, teachers and students. The Foundation’s mission is to raise awareness, funding and resources to enrich CCSD schools in areas not fully funded in the regular school program. It raises funds through sources including its annual CCEF T-shirt sale, CCEF Golf Classic Tournament; and the CCEF “Celebration of Education” Gala, which will be held on March 12; and as the main beneficiary of the Chick-fil-A Connect Race Series 5K and Fun Run in Canton, which will be held on August 6.
Through public support, CCEF offers IMPACT Grants of as much as $2,500 per winning proposal. The grant application process is open to individual CCSD teachers, paraprofessionals and school staff; teams of CCSD teachers, paraprofessionals and school staff; CCSD administrators; or CCSD department heads. Foundation Board members review the applications and select proposals they determine will best strengthen academics; demonstrate a creative and innovative approach to education; provide meaningful and engaging instruction for students; and have a long-term benefit.
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Copies of the winning grant proposals are available electronically from CCEF for anyone who wants to learn more about them. As part of the process, winners will be required to submit a report sharing details about the success of their project funded by the grant.
Donations to CCEF may be made by mail to P.O. Box 4754, Canton, Ga. 30114. For more information about the Foundation, visit the website at www.cherokeecountyeducationalfoundation.org, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call (770) 704-4213.
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The Cherokee County Educational Foundation scored a hole-in-one at its Third Annual CCEF Golf Classic by raising a record $29,000 to support schools, teachers and students.
The nonprofit CCEF, which raises funds and awareness for the Cherokee County School District, recently held the tournament at Woodmont Golf & Country Club with presenting sponsor, Northside Hospital-Cherokee.
Sponsors included: Gold, Cobb EMC; Silver, Aramark Management Services, Chick-fil-A of Canton, Credit Union of Georgia and The Home Depot; Bronze: Buck Consultants, Davenport & Company, Goshen Valley Foundation, Hasty Properties, KRH Architects, Universal Alloy and Win2ition; Contest Sponsors: Georgia Power, Kronos, Nova Engineering & Environmental, Senator Brandon Beach; Hole Sponsors: Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Gleichman Law Firm and The Original Mattress Factory. Foundation Board Members Colleen Blackwell of Win2ition and Zach Blend of Goshen Valley Foundation served as the event’s co-chairs.
The tournament began with a special tribute to Northside Hospital-Cherokee CEO Billy Hayes in appreciation for his continued service as the CCEF Board Vice President and for the hospital’s second year as presenting sponsor for all CCEF fundraisers. CCEF Board President William “Billy” G. Hasty Jr. during the opening remarks also thanked Superintendent of Schools Dr. Frank R. Petruzielo for serving as the event’s Honorary Chairman and for his support of CCEF since its establishment in 2012.
“We would not have been able to already have awarded $50,000 in grants or be able to give out another $50,000 this school year if it were not for the support of our sponsors, the School Board and Dr. Petruzielo,” Mr. Hasty said during his remarks.
Following their day on the course, players returned for the awarding of trophies to sponsors and winning teams. Land Answers’ foursome took first place in the competition; the Cherokee Computer team placed second; and one of Northside Hospital-Cherokee’s teams placed third. Much to the delight of all in attendance, a player won the Hole In One contest… Rick James of the Goshen Valley Foundation Team landed the winning shot.
The trophies, as has become a CCEF Golf Classic tradition, were designed and crafted by art students at all of CCSD’s high schools. Each school’s art department was presented with an honorarium donation by CCEF in appreciation for their work. A special presentation also was made during the awards party to former Cherokee County School Board Chair Janet Read in appreciation of her vision for the establishment of the Foundation.
The Foundation will be awarding more than $50,000 in grants to CCSD schools, teachers and students this school year including IMPACT Grants, which are presented every February to teachers with winning “bright idea” applications. For more information about CCEF, visit www.cherokeecountyeducationalfoundation or its Facebook page.
Kicking off the 2015 CCEF Golf Classic, which raised a record $29,000 for Cherokee County School District schools, teachers and students, are from left to right: Golf Classic Co-Chair Zach Blend, Board Fundraising Chair Kevin Williams, Board President William “Billy” G. Hasty Jr., Presenting Sponsor Northside Hospital-Cherokee CEO Billy Hayes, Golf Classic Co-Chair Colleen Blackwell and Superintendent of Schools Dr. Frank R. Petruzielo. The Foundation presented a special tribute to Mr. Hayes at the start of the event in appreciation of his continued service and the hospital’s second year as presenting sponsor for all of CCEF’s fundraisers.
Rick James of the Goshen Valley Foundation team landed a hole-in-one during the 2015 CCEF Golf Classic.
The 2015 CCEF Golf Classic at Woodmont Golf & Country Club was made possible through sponsorships by numerous businesses including presenting sponsor, Northside Hospital-Cherokee.
The Land Answers team won first place in the 2015 CCEF Golf Classic.
The Cherokee Computer team placed second in the 2015 CCEF Golf Classic.
One of Northside Hospital-Cherokee’s teams placed third in the 2015 CCEF Golf Classic.
A special presentation was made to former Cherokee County School Board Chair Janet Read in appreciation of her vision for the establishment of the Cherokee County Educational Foundation. Golf Classic Co-Chair Colleen Blackwell, left, presents the plaque to Ms. Read.
As has become a CCEF Golf Classic tradition, all of the trophies for sponsors and winners of the 2015 CCEF Golf Classic were designed and crafted by Cherokee County School District high school art students. Cherokee High School ceramics students show off their designs, from left to right: Martha Voizin, Amber Jenkins, Lincoln Johnson, Elexis Muse, Thu Nguyen, Ashley Heard, Maria Vicente, Katlin Norman and Joseph Alas.
Recognizing Outstanding CCSD Graduates
Nomination Deadline: January 11, 2016
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The Cherokee County Educational Foundation is dedicated to celebrating the successes of the Cherokee County School District and encouraging community support. The Alumni of the Year Award annually will honor at least one CCSD high school alumnus and one alumna each year for outstanding professional and civic contributions. The Awards will be presented at the CCEF “Celebration of Education” Gala on March 12; honorees will be notified in advance, and each honoree plus one guest will be guests of CCEF at the event.
