The Baldwin Education Foundation was formed 10 years ago and has grown to become a great contribution to this community. The BEF helps schools, teachers and students any way they can.  They also host an annual luncheon, this year it will be on March 7 at 12 pm at Stony Point Hall.  Members of the community can come tickets are $25 and for staff members they are $10.BHS teacher Scott Crenshaw has been personally affected by the BEF when he received the most recent grant.“The Science dept received a grant for a microscope camera,” Crenshaw said.  “We only have one microscope that goes to 1,000 power, so by using the camera, we can project images through the ceiling projector, allowing all students to view at once.”Past board member Dave Hill feels the money is a positive contribution for schools.

“Good way to raise money for our schools and the money goes directly into the classrooms.”

President of the BEF Patricia Irick explains the two new programs BEF has recently added to their agenda.

“We are also excited about two of our latest projects,” said Irick.  “The first is we are partnering with Harvesters to provide food on the weekends for elementary students who are in need.  The second is we are working with United Way to offer a learning trail at one of the parks in Baldwin.”

While the BEF is involved in many programs to make our schools better, their main focus is the teachers. The grants they provide teachers makes a difference in our education system.  Teachers can use the money to enhance the learning environment in their classroom.

After helping the schools and the teachers BEF does not forget about the students in the schools.  BEF also provides two scholarships for seniors at Baldwin High School, the Merle Venable scholarship and a Leadership Scholarship.

To Kathy Gerstner executive director of the BEF, being able to improve the education system is why she is part of the BEF.

“To me, it means the opportunity to add and enhance the educational experience of our students, and to give our teachers, who work so hard, extra support and opportunities they might not normally have,” Gerstner said.

Every year the BEF holds a Luncheon as its largest fundraiser of the year.  At the luncheon there is a special guest speaker, this year however is very special the BEF is asking former Baldwin graduates that are now teachers at Baldwin to be honored.

“This is very unusual. It says a lot about our community that these dedicated teachers wish to return to their roots and continue to impact their own community,” Irick said.

Bonnie Butell-Huntoon at teacher at Baldwin High School is one of the teachers being honored at the event.

“I think there are around twenty five honorees, which says so much about Baldwin City and the community,” Butell-Huntoon said.  “We have all decided to return to Baldwin and teach in this environment and raise our children in this community.  I had a very positive high school experience, and I am proud to be working here.”