Mission Moment: Thank You For Giving
Those who give, hold a special place in the community and in the heart of The Education Foundation of Baltimore County Public Schools, Inc. They exhibit generosity and mindfulness towards education and the commitment to a positive future.
Nearly at the end of the first month of 2018 we need to pause, thank and reflect back on December 2017, where several people have lead through the example of giving, moving lives forward through kindness.
On December 18, 2017, Kappa Delta Pi and Phi Sigma Sigma, of Stevenson University demonstrated the act of giving to those in need to BCPS Department of Academic Services/Pupil Personnel Services, Ms. Sharon Ochs, Coordinator.
Kappa Delta Pi is an International Honor Society in Education whose mission is to support and recognize scholarship and excellence in education. Stevenson University’s Psi Omicron Chapter of Kappa Delta Pi received its charter in 1997 and just two years later the chapter was given an ACE (Achieving Chapter Excellence) award from the national organization because of its great accomplishments in the area of community service, scholarship and professional development. This year the society collected books and blankets for the children and their families in the homeless shelters throughout our region. Throughout the year, the officers and members plan and participate in many community events such as this and others including but not limited to community library events, fundraisers, donations to local and national charities, hospitals, schools, and food banks. Special thanks goes out to Rebecca Weisman, Jill Suffel and all of the members of the society for their efforts.
The Zeta Chi Chapter of Phi Sigma Sigma hosts many events within their sisterhood as well as outside groups through collaborating. They perpetuate the advancement of womanhood and promote the personal development of each sister by coming together and work toward common goals. Collaboration enables the sisters to positively impact leadership achievement, scholarships/educational opportunities. Through their fundraising efforts the Zeta Chi Chapter collected, wrapped and donated coats, hats, scarves, gloves and mittens for our children in BCPS. Earlier in the year this chapter participated in Back to School Involves You Too Campaign as they collected school supplies and donated. Special thanks goes out to Megan Kotria and Alexis Phillips for leading this charitable endeavor, along with all of the sisters at Phi Sigma Sigma.
On another occasion, December 21st, Franklin High School received a special visit from the Murthy Legal Team. The Murthy Legal Team visited Franklin High School making a $5,000 contribution to the Academy of Law program. Ms. Sheela Murthy, founder and president of the Owings Mills, Maryland based firm is an advocate for education and was very eager to become involved in Franklin High Schools team who has participated in mock trial competition, participated in field trips to Montpellier and a Moot Court Tournament at Princeton. A lawyer, entrepreneur and philanthropist in the Baltimore region, whose firm ranks as one of the world’s leading US immigration law firms wants to support the next generation of lawyers in our country.
Appreciated for her expertise, thoroughness and involvement in the community with women, family and children issues, Mrs. Patricia McHugh Lambert, member of PKLaw, serves as a mentor to the young attorney and high school students at Franklin High School, serving as one of the coaches in the mock trial competitions along with her husband, Christopher Lambert, a teacher at Franklin High School for the Academy of Law Program. A very generous personal donation was recently awarded to Franklin High School for the Academy of Law Program by Mrs. Lambert.
All Franklin High School students are eligible to participate and selected for specific events by FHS staff. Students who successfully participate in a specified number of actives will receive recognition for their work.
Later in the day, Mrs. Laura Lemon, Associate Director and Ms. Deborah Phelps, Executive Director visited the Baltimore County Courthouse, Bosley Avenue to observe the Franklin High School students as the practiced for upcoming competition.
The Education Foundation of Baltimore County Public Schools has grown leaps and bounds over the years, recognizing community partnerships as a major component of its success. Through community support and generous acts of giving, we will continue to thrive in our efforts to support Baltimore County students, providing them with resources to help expand, extend and enhance learning.