The Checotah Foundation for Academic Excellence, Inc. (CFAE, Inc.) held their annual bean dinner at the Masonic Lodge #86 on Nov. 16 bringing in $2,544.
Local supporters came out to enjoy a hearty bowl of homemade beans, golden cornbread and delicious desserts.
“Locals are good to support us each year because they know every penny goes back into the school and helps our teachers with supplies,” Board member Betty Barrett said.
The CFAE is a third party non-profit entity with a mission to provide financial assistance to enhance the educational experience for Checotah teachers and students from Pre-K through 12th grade.
CFAE has awarded many grants since their humble beginning, giving over $100,000 to local teachers. Teachers can apply each year for an amount not to exceed $500. The criteria used to judge applications are:
• Creativity
• Collaboration
• Enhancement of the learning process
• Number of students involved
• Meeting the goals of CFAE The goals of CFAE are not to just provide additional funding to help students and teachers, but to encourage the community and businesses to become involved in supporting the school system.
CFAE is guided by a board of directors that operates separately from the public school system but foundation membership is open to all interested persons. Current Board of Directors are: President Mike Stidham, Vice President Kittie Dishman, Secretary Patsy Mann, Treasurer Donna Sharpe, Mitch Myers, DeLois McGee, Imogene Duvall, Sharlene Eddy, Kathy Cox, Betty Barrett, Jim Barrett, Wilmatine Griffin, Jackie Farmer, Tami Duvall, Theresa Buckmaster and Bret Hayes.
