The Lawrence Schools foundation has received a $40,000 donation to support teachers and students of the Lawrence school district.
Truity Credit Union presented the donation during the foundation’s annual Community Education Breakfast, held Friday at the DoubleTree Hotel.
“Truity’s generous donation will allow us to continue to provide the necessary support for our educators and students and fill some of the gaps where needs remain due to school budget limitations,” Dena Johnston, executive director of Lawrence Schools Foundation, said in a news release Tuesday.
The breakfast itself raised a record $100,000 thanks to sponsorships and ticket sales, according to the release.
“The Truity Education Foundation Fund supports various districtwide needs, including professional development for our educators,” according to the release. “To qualify for membership at Truity Credit Union, individuals can make a one-time donation to the Truity Education Foundation, which is then donated to support local educational needs.”
Kaylee Sells, VP, Regional Manager, Truity Credit Union, said in the release that “We are honored to be able to give back to our local school districts to be able to meet the needs of students, educators and support staff in our communities.”
Jaunelle White, Lawrence High School alum of the Class of 1996, spoke at the breakfast. White is the first female athletic director and vice president of intercollegiate athletics for Point University in West Point, Georgia, according to the release.
“I would not have accomplished what I have so far without the education I received in Lawrence Public Schools,” White said, according to the release.
She also recalled her fifth grade teacher at Sunset Hill Elementary, Juanita Anne Barbee.
“She really cared and would do anything and everything to support us, but she was not one to be messed with,” White said.
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