Sculpture, Benches and Plaque Acknowledge Contributions

The Fairhope Educational Enrichment Foundation (FEEF) held a dedication ceremony to commemorate the many individuals and businesses who have supported the foundation since its inception in 1996.

A bronze donor plaque, which recognizes significant donors to FEEF’s Endowment Campaign, was installed on the bluff overlooking Mobile Bay. Surrounding the plaque are “apple slice” benches created by local sculptor John Rezner. The main attraction of the new donor recognition site is a seahorse sculpture, which FEEF commissioned from Fairhope artist Bruce Larsen. The sculpture and donor recognition site is located on the bluff overlooking Mobile Bay, on South Mobile Street in Fairhope.

The artwork and plaque were made possible through a development grant awarded to FEEF by the Kresge Foundation. No donor funds were used for the artwork. In July 2004, FEEF’s endowment reached $1,000,000 thanks to a matching $250,000 grant from the Kresge Foundation. The endowment now stands at more than $1.3 million.

“Because our endowment gives us permanence, we believe that our foundation can make a lasting impact on our schools,” said Cindy McBrearty, chairperson of the endowment campaign and a founder of FEEF. “We also wanted something permanent to show our appreciation for everyone who has supported FEEF through the years and helped make our public schools stronger. Strong public schools help build a better community and ultimately, a better quality of life. These sculptures and plaque will be long-lasting reminders of this.”

The seahorse sculpture, representative of the creature found in Mobile Bay, is a fitting tribute as FEEF’s first project was the $230,000 Pelican’s Nest Science Lab, located at the Fairhope K-1 Center. It was made possible, in large part, through contributions from Mr. and Mrs. Pete Wiese. Charlene Dindo, the director of the Pelican’s Nest, regularly takes school groups from around the county to study the sea life and vegetation in Mobile Bay.

Since its inception, FEEF has contributed towards many projects at each Fairhope school. For example, the Media and Math and Science Labs at Fairhope Elementary School; a nature trail, recycling program and art lab at Fairhope Intermediate School; library renovation and Dreamwriter portable word processors at Fairhope Middle School; contributions to the Aquaculture program, the pre-engineering program and the band at Fairhope High School; and funds for a new stage and Smartboard technology system at J. Larry Newton School have all been supported by FEEF. The foundation annually provides funding for enrichment programs through its Classroom Grants. To date, FEEF has awarded more than $150,000 in classroom grants.

With a goal of making an educational impact on the entire K-12 system, FEEF this year has implemented a Vertical Teaming program in which teachers of like disciplines meet together on a regular basis to improve curriculum. FEEF is also providing resources for the six principals, counselors and teachers to learn about becoming a Professional Learning Community, a process that is embraced by many of the best schools in the country. It also will launch a free after school tutoring program next month. Fairhope schools teachers will serve as tutors under the guidance of FEEF’s tutoring coordinator, Lorrie Katsimpalis, who is the libarian at Fairhope Middle School.