BY ALICIA DORSET
Clarkston News Staff Writer
Two Clarkston middle schools will be able to offer unique and creative programs to its students again this year, thanks to partial funding from a local group focused on helping education.
The Clarkston Foundation awarded grants to Chuck Keegan of Clarkston Middle School and Shelley Rowland of Sashabaw Middle School. The grants were recognized at the Jan.12 school board meeting.
‘I’m very pleased that funding came through,? Rowland said.
The foundation awards grants to teachers who provide programs geared toward the arts and sciences. Innovative program ideas that provide valuable knowledge to students take top priority in the awarding of funds.
‘When we have great teachers with great ideas, it’s a great combo,? Clarkston Foundation president Jim Evans said.
Keegan received $300 toward his annual school assembly ‘Blues for Schools?, presented by well-known blues performer Robert B. Jones. Jones, a former radio broadcaster and historian, teaches students how traditional blue music can not only be found in today’s popular songs, but can provide valuable lessons.
The program, aimed at eighth graders, reaches 380 students and is in its third year at the school. Jones? presentation is a favorite with both students and Keegan.
‘He (Jones) is a really good guy,? Keegan said. ‘The kids really like him.?
Keegan not only received funding from the Clarkston Foundation but also from the Student Leadership Council at his school. All around, the funds are what make the program possible.
‘The foundation has been really good to us,? Keegan said.
Rowland was able to put her $1,000 grant to good use at her school as well. The foundation recognized her program for 180 students entitled the ‘Music Mentor Program?.
Rowland coordinates tutors for her band students to come in and work on instrument techniques once a week. The money goes to pay the tutors who range in experience from graduate students at college to professional musicians.
Bringing in the tutors allows Rowland’s students to work in smaller groups and receive more individualized coaching.
‘You should see the kids? faces light up when the instructors come,? Rowland said. ‘They’re additional musicians for the kids to identify with and model after.?
The passion that both Keegan and Rowland possess for their students? educations is the attitude that drives the mission of the Clarkston Foundation.
‘This is what we’re about,? Evans said. ‘We’re assisting the system to be even better.? Half of the board members for the foundation are either teachers or administrators.
Since it’s inception in 1989, over 10,000 students have benefitted from the programs that the foundation has recognized. Annual grants to the schools range from $10,000 to $12,000. On average each year, the foundation receives about 12-14 funding requests.
‘We wanted to create an environment in Clarkston schools for students to achieve,? Evans said. ‘We wanted to raise the level for arts and sciences.?