Applications sought for scholarships

The Hempfield Foundation is accepting scholarship applications from Hempfield High School graduating seniors through Friday, March 28.

Seniors should contact their school counselor for an application, and they may go to http://www.hempfieldfoundation.org for more information.

Joel Janisewski, Hempfield Foundation's grants and scholarship chair, said the scholarships are generally funded by specific members of the community. "Generous donors in our community make these scholarships happen that transform students' lives," he said.

Many of the scholarships are for general use. Janisewski said there is a targeted scholarship for students who demonstrate entrepreneurial spirit and who are pursuing secondary education outside of a four-year institution, such as Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology, for example.

"We're really thankful for the support of the community," said Janisewski. "That makes this happen. It's a privilege for us to be involved with the Hempfield Foundation, but it's all because of the people in the community that donate to support the foundation, which directly supports students in the district, and it's changing students' lives."

The organization works year-round to help students and teachers. "The Hempfield Foundation raises funds from the community to support educational enrichment projects led by teachers in the district," Janisewski said.

Teachers semiannually propose grants that would develop academic programs and projects that directly serve students across the district.

The proposals are reviewed by the foundation's grants and scholarship committee. Janisewski said businesses, nonprofits, teachers, and district staff members also participate in the process. "We're thankful for the level of involvement the district has in helping us with our work and helping teachers to know about the grant applications," said Janisewski.

Grants, which cover all grade levels and buildings, range up to $3,000 apiece and could go higher if multiple schools are collaborating on a project.

"It's exciting to see new projects teachers are taking on," said Janisewski. "There are collaborations within grade levels and across grade levels. We're able to fund things that otherwise wouldn't be possible."

In February, the foundation announced 14 full/partial grants totaling more than $26,000. One of the projects funded this school year is "One School, One Book at LPC," where each Landisville Primary Center (LPC) family will receive a copy of a book to read at home with a reading schedule to follow. At school, special area teachers weave the story into their lesson. Centerville and Landisville middle schools received a grant for a similar program.

East Petersburg Elementary School teacher Kristine Kachel received a grant for "A Third-Grade Adventure in Writing and Publishing." The goal of this project is to inspire and engage third-grade students in the creative process of writing and storytelling, culminating in the publishing of a class book.

Farmdale Elementary School music teacher Lisa Sempsey got a grant for "All About That Bass (and Treble)," which funded a contrabass bar set and two glockenspiels. With these added to the instrument inventory, students will explore beat, melodic range, composition, and improvisation through world music in new and exciting ways, the grant summary said.

Hempfield High School teacher Svetlana Sagalov-Feldman received a grant for "Interpretation Earbuds for Improved Communication and Engagement," which funded interpreter earbuds for English learners. The interpreter earbuds are designed to improve the educational experience of English learners and their families in the early levels of English language acquisition.

Landisville Intermediate Center music teacher Jamie Smith got a grant for "Drums for Everyone!" to fund a classroom drumming set. The purpose of this drum set is to expand student access to a culturally rich, competency-based music curriculum that will help them to grow both as musicians and people, according to the grant summary. The drums could also be utilized in school concerts, by students at community events, as staff team building, and in other creative ways.

The Hempfield Foundation was started in 1993 and has contributed more than $1 million to district projects, said Erika Hunter-Hake, the group's community engagement assistant.

Janisewski said the foundation raises money through two main sources. Local businesses can elect to participate in the educational improvement tax program and make tax-advantaged donations that go directly to the foundation, said Janisewski. Businesses can also partner with the foundation on various levels. "We are thankful for the business that are invested in our community," Janisewski said. "We are always looking to add new businesses to our sponsor levels."

The foundation receives grassroots community contributions throughout the year, and benefits from the annual ExtraGive, which will be held on Friday, Nov. 21.

The biggest fundraiser is the foundation's annual golf tournament, which will take place Friday, June 6, at Four Seasons Golf Club, Landisville.