The 2nd Annual Swing for Education Golf Classic Celebrated a “Legacy in Leadership” Honoring Aris Melissaratos, Dean of Stevenson University
The Education Foundation of Baltimore County Public Schools and Maryland Association of Nonpublic Special Education Facilities (MANSEF) hosted the second annual Swing for Education Golf Classic, celebrating a ‘Legacy in Leadership’ and raising money for scholarships on Friday, October 10, 2014. The scholarship funds will benefit both Baltimore County Public School students and MANSEF students pursuing additional education opportunities. Swing for Education was held at the Greystone Golf Course in White Hall, Maryland. Lou Grasmick, Chief Executive Officer of the Louis J. Grasmick Lumber Company and Nancy Grasmick, former State Superintendent of Maryland State Department of Education and currently Towson University’s Presidential Scholar for Innovation in Teacher and Leader Education, served as the distinguished honorary chairs.
WJZ-TV news anchor Denise Koch served as the Mistress of Ceremony over the “Legacy in Leadership” event. This dynamic event was attended by members of the business community, members of the Foundation and MANSEF board of directors, and staff from neighboring colleges and universities. Musical and dance performances by students from the Villa Maria Schools and the Forbush School at Glyndon warmed the hearts of those in attendance. Ms. Deborah Phelps, Director of the Education Foundation and Ms. Dorie Flynn, Executive Director of MANSEF, gave presentations about their organizations’ shared collaborative vision for creating educational opportunities for students to excel.
Mr. Aris Melissaratos, Dean of Stevenson University’s Brown School of Business and Leadership and founder of The Aris Institute, was the recipient of Swing for Education’s 2014 Legacy in Leadership Award. This award was presented to Mr. Melissaratos in recognition of his dedication and service in improving Maryland communities through business innovation, mentorship, and philanthropy. After receiving the Legacy in Leadership Award, Mr. Melissaratos, along with former Superintendent Nancy Grasmick, led a dialogue among civic and educational leaders that included the future of education in context of the global economy.
“These types of positive discussions between the business community and education community are important. We need to place a high economic value on the educational profession, because it’s the teachers who are preparing our students to create future innovations that will drive our economy,” said Melissaratos.
“This event punctuated the priorities of Baltimore County Public School education… elevating the quality of teaching and the importance of bringing together every part of the community to achieve goals for children,” explained Grasmick.
Tim Bojanowski, Principal of Zest Social Media Solutions, presented a $1,000 scholarship to the Baltimore County Public Schools Office of Career and Technology. Mr. Douglas Handy, Coordinator, and Ms. Alicia Fales, Supervisor, of Career and Technology Education, were on hand to receive the check.
“The connection between business and education in our local community is immensely important,” said Bojanowski. “The ability to lend our support through our sponsorship and donation to the incredible things being done by the foundation is truly a privilege.”
From the student golf clinic led by golf pros throughout the day to the evening’s ending with a BBQ Sunset Blast and Award Reception, the day was filled with an opportunity to network, rekindle relationships, converse with new friends, share ideas, and enjoy the sport of golf. We greatly appreciate the generous support of our sponsors, which include:
Title Sponsor: Zest Social Media Solutions
19th Hole BBQ Blast Sponsor: UPS
Lunch Sponsor: Nancy & Louis Grasmick
Awards Reception Sponsor: Macy’s
Golf Visors Sponsor: H&S Bakery
Multiple Scoreboard Sponsors
Chimes School
Kennedy Krieger
Merrill Lynch
Oak Contracting
Multiple Gift Bag Sponsors
Kelly Insurance and Associates
Merritt Properties
SC&H Accountants
Many thanks to our 20-hole sponsors and our 42 School Pride Pennant Sponsors and for all of our in-kind donations from businesses throughout Baltimore County and the state of Maryland.
A special “shout out” goes to the following individuals:
Denise Koch, Mistress of Ceremonies – Legacy in Leadership
Paul Mittermeir, Master of Ceremonies – BBQ Blast and Awards Reception
Matt Musgrove – Padonia Park
Emerging Leader Council for EDFoundation
Coyle Studios, John Coyle and Staff
John Olexy
Muriel Smoot –Administrative Assistant, MANSEF
Bonnie Derda – Administrative Assistant, EDFoundation
Chloe Davis, Intern – EDFoundation Headquarters
Jennifer Drury, Supervisor, BCPS Office of Copy and Print Services and Staff
Janice Saul and Sharon Loving, EDFoundation Headquarter Volunteers