PETAL EDUCATION FOUNDATION HISTORY

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More than three decades ago the Petal Education Foundation Trust, Inc. began as an initiative by Dr. Mike Walters, Superintendent of Petal School District.  The Foundation was established to assist with district financial cut-backs.   Mr. Truman Roberts, Charles M. Walters and Leslie W. Lee served as the incorporators along with Dr. Mike Walters.  On Dec. 10, 1987- the private 501 © 3, non-profit, no share Petal Education Foundation Trust, Inc. Mississippi Corporation was chartered.  The Foundation is a legal entity with defined purposes and a mission…

 

The mission of the Petal School District Education Foundation is to enhance the quality of education in the Petal School District by providing private funding to have a positive impact on our public schools. 

 

As stated the mission coincides with the mission of the Petal School District for the sole purpose to financially assist the Petal School District with improving student achievement for all children in our school district. Ten thousand dollars, ($10,000.00) was donated to create the Foundation. Coach Ray Perkins, former Petal High School graduate and esteemed football coach endowed the first scholarship. The Foundation lay dormant until funds were donated in 1996 in memory of Mr. Bobby Runnels.  The Crowe Foundation donated $10,000.00 earmarked for the Petal High School Soundsations.  Dr. James Hutto, superintendent, organized Petal citizens with a vested interest in the school district to form a board of directors, write by-laws and to begin a reformation of the Foundation.  A part time executive director, Shannon Coleman Decker, was hired to guide the operations and begin fundraising.

 

The Petal School District Education Foundation board members and executive director constantly mobilize for community support, concern, commitment and resources to help improve the quality of education in the Petal School District.

 

In 2005 and after Hurricane Katrina, Cisco Systems donated funds to the Petal School District. A decision was made by the superintendent to invest monies in an interest bearing Petal Education Foundation account to yield funding to finance a guaranteed two year salary for a fulltime executive director. Those funds along with money raised through special events, unrestricted donations, the constant seeking of sponsorships, personal in-kind donations from the executive director and good stewardship on the part of the board of directors have sustained operations capital. By the end of 2012 or 2013 this fund could fall below the budget amount needed to meet operating costs. It is evident, as will be revealed below, that executive director energies would be better spent concentrating on scholarship, grant, early childhood, athletic and fine arts financial growth and support rather than the invariable focus of funding the operating budget.

 

The following is a  short history and list of accomplishments of the Petal Education Foundation. Let it be noted that this list is not the labor of one but the joint efforts of Foundation board members and numerous volunteers.

 

1987

• The Petal School District Education Foundation was organized.

• Ray Perkins, former Petal High School graduate donates $10,000.00 to the Foundation for an academic scholarship to an athlete.

 

1996

• Additional Scholarship set up in memory of Bobby Runnels

 

2001

• Petal School District alumni directory was published

• Class of ’56 scholarship was founded

• Petal Logo Car tags began

• Began an Alumnus of the Year Program—(recognized at homecoming each year) Past Recipients--2002--Lynn Cartlidge,2003;Jim Smith, 2004; Junior and Carolyn Broom, 2005; Milton Carpenter, 2006; Hal Walker, 2007; Buck Anderson, 2008; Ed Walker, 2009; Tommy Fairley; 2010; Allen Flynt, 2011; Connie Drake, 2012; Jimmy Jones and 2012-Values and Vision Award-Kevin Lewis. In 2013 the board voted to combine the awards and changed it to

       “Champion of the Year”​

• Clements Group, Salt Lake City, UT conducted  a Capital Funds Campaign Feasibility Study

• Mission Statement and Goals adopted

        Goals: Reward students by providing scholarships to Petal High School        graduates; encourage innovative programs in the classroom by offering mini-grants for teachers; provide assistance to the Early Childhood/Family Support program; support the Fine Arts and Athletic programs.

• Foundation By-Laws drafted

• Four Mini grants @$500.00 each were awarded  to teachers in the amount of $2000.00

• Gail McInnis Choral Scholarship was established

• Cisco Grant of $100,000.00 given after Katrina to update technology in the district

• Marcus Ware Engineering Scholarship established and endowed

• The Robert Hendrix Scholarship established and endowed

• Milton Carpenter Scholarship established

• Four Mini-Grants awarded to PSD teachers

• Six scholarships awarded to PHS graduating seniors

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2007

• Full time Executive Director was employed

• Earl P. Cross Scholarship established

• Five Mini-Grants awarded to PSD teachers

• The event, “Encore” was created, organized and produced.  “ENCORE” (a reunion of former Show Choir students came together to pay tribute to Mrs. Gail McInnis and raised additional money to endow at $10,000.00, the scholarship established in her honor upon her retirement)

• “Peel and Present” Discount Card Fundraiser

• 1st Laughter and Lagniappe Cajun Supper Fundraiser   

• Hosted Hall of Fame Recipient for dinner at Academic Honors Night

•  Petal School District’s Retirement Reception  hosted

• Petal Homecoming “Alumnus of the Year” Tailgating reception   

• PSD Foundation scholarship application and compilation booklet of scholarships; local, state and national scholarship opportunities for Petal High School students was developed

• Scholarship committee for selection of Foundation scholarships established

• Adopted the Magnolia State Bank Affinity Visa Card for revenue

• PHS Awards Day reception was coordination for donors and foundation scholarship presenters

• Donations were solicited for the 6 C-PAS Highest Score Scholarships, PHS Career and Technical Education winners

• Follow-up procedure established for each Foundation scholarship recipients

• Maintain rapport with Foundation scholarship donors

• Maintain membership in Petal Chamber of Commerce and serve on committees

• Maintain membership in Rotary Club of Petal, serve on board of directors, literacy chair

2008

•  2nd edition Petal School District Alumni Directory was published

• Mini grants awarded to teachers

• Ione Ginn Bond Education Scholarship was established and endowed

• Jennifer Trussell Purvis Memorial Choral Scholarship was established and endowed

• Landry & Lewis Architectural Scholarship was established and endowed

• Traci Goodwin Visual Arts Scholarship established

• Bobby Drake Memorial Athletic Scholarship was established

• Edith Easterling James Education Scholarship was established

• “Peel and Present” Discount Fundraiser

• 10 C-PAS Scholarships ($250.00 each) are awarded to students scoring the highest on the Career and Occupational Studies Exit Exam each year

• “High School Musical”  produced by the PEF

• First South Mississippi Children’s Concert--Thomas Moore Concert ($6000.00 raised for Excel By 5)

• 2nd Annual Laughter and Lagniappe Cajun Supper Fundraiser held

• Hosted Hall of Fame Recipient for dinner for PHS Academic Awards Night 

• Petal School District’s Retirement Reception hosted

• Petal Homecoming Alumnus of the Year Tailgating Reception hosted

• Mississippi Power Company Foundation Grant for Robotics Program

• Art Garden at Center for Families established, a garden where children can learn about native Mississippi plants/trees/flowers, (fundraising campaign to purchase bronze statues)

2009

• Jim Smith Athletic Scholarship was established

• Mini Grants for PSD Teachers, five awarded at $500.00 each

• “Friends of the Foundation” PSD Employee Dependent Scholarship program established

• Petal High School Band fundraiser-- $115,000.00 for Presidential Inauguration Trip

• Petal Band Presidential Inaugural Scholarship was established and endowed

• Dr. James Hutto Retirement Dinner held at USM

• Dr. James Hutto Social Studies Grant was established

• Gail McInnis Choral Scholarship endowed

• PHS Show Choir Student Assistance Fund established

• Dolly Parton Imagination Library -- PEF became the “Local Champion” for the Dolly Parton Imagination Library… registered babies born on January 1, 2009 and after will receive               1 FREE book per month until children begin kindergarten.  Enrollment began 5/ 1/ 09.  

• Presented Teacher of the Year Awards, In-kind weekend getaway for Administrator of the Year and $50.00 gas gift certificate was secured

• Hosted Hall of Fame Recipient for dinner for Academic Awards Program

• Petal School District’s Retirement Reception hosted                                                                                                                 

• Petal Homecoming Alumnus of the Year Tailgating Reception hosted

• Mississippi Power Company Foundation Grant for Robotics Program

• Mississippi Scholars Luncheon coordinated with Rotary Club of Petal

• Coordinated, decorated and catered the dinner party for incoming PSD superintendent, 
  Dr. John Buchanan

2010

• Teacher/Administrator of the Year Awards presented ($1300.00)

• Mini Grants for PSD teachers-$500.00 each

• William Wible, Sr. Memorial Scholarship awarded, (2010 only)

• Lynn Cartlidge Leadership Scholarship was established

• SPC William Anthony Blount Memorial Scholarship established

• Petal Optimist Club Scholarship established

• C.D. Kolbo Scholarship established

• Nicholas C. Hendry Memorial Scholarship Awarded, (2010 only)

• Mississippi Scholar Foundation Scholarship established

• The “Little Robert” Barding” MOD Award established

• ‘A Hand Up’ Scholarships (3) were awarded (2010 only)

• H & S Robotics Scholarship established

• Dolly Parton Imagination Library Program continued

• Coordinated Petal Panther Stadium Commemorative Brick Sale

• $15,000.00 donated to the Petal Touchdown Club for Panther Stadium Building Fund

• Instrumental in bringing Miss Mississippi, Anna Tadlock, to Petal for Elementary Music program

• “Friends of the Foundation” PSD Employee Dependent Scholarship program began

• Laughter and Lagniappe Cajun Supper and Auction Fundraiser

• Hosted Hall of Fame Recipient for dinner Academic Awards Program

• Planned and coordinated Hall of Fame reception

• Petal School District’s Retirement Reception                                                                                   

• Fundraising campaign in Rotary Club of Petal for Dolly Parton Imagination Library fund

• Presented Teacher of the Year Awards, Secured In-kind weekend getaway for Administrator of the Year and $50.00 gas gift certificate

• Organized retired Petal School District teachers for cookbook writing and fundraiser

• Coordinated and catered the Petal Homecoming Alumnus of the Year Tailgating

• Lucky Lot Raffle Fundraiser

• Mississippi Power Company Foundation Grant for Robotics Program

• Mississippi Scholars Luncheon with Rotary Club of Petal

2011

• Penny Jones Alexander ‘Stay in School’ Award was established and endowed

• SPC William Anthony Blount Memorial Scholarship endowed

• Dan Stuart Memorial Softball Scholarship established

• Anderson Brothers Leadership Scholarship established

• Petal Kiwanis Club Scholarship established

• “Friends of the Foundation” PSD Employee Dependent Scholarship program established

• Eight Mini Grants for PSD Teachers @ 750.00 each

• Dolly Parton Imagination Library Local Champion

• Coordinated and produced the South Mississippi Children’s Musical, Bits ‘N Pieces Giant Puppet Theatre ($10,000.00+ raised for Excel By 5)

• Commemorative bricks sold for the Petal Panther Stadium

• Laughter and Lagniappe Cajun Supper and Auction Fundraiser

• Once Upon a Time-less Recipe Cookbook published -500 cookbooks ordered

• Values and Vision Award established to recognize outstanding contributions to the PSD by a non-PHS alumni

• Hosted Hall of Fame Recipient for dinner at the annual Academic Awards Program

• Planned and coordinated Hall of Fame reception

• Petal School District’s Retirement Reception hosted                                                                                                                     

• Fundraising campaign in Rotary Club of Petal for Dolly Parton Imagination Library fund

• Petal Homecoming Alumnus of the Year Tailgating Reception hosted

• Mississippi Power Company Foundation grant for Robotics Program

• Mississippi Scholars Luncheon coordinated with Rotary Club

2012​

• South Mississippi Children’s Concert, Excel By 5 fundraiser

• Mini Grants for PSD Teachers, 8 teachers @ $800.00 each

• Petal Baseball and Softball Commemorative Brick Fundraiser

• 6th Annual Laughter and Lagniappe Cajun Supper and Live Auction

• Mississippi Power Company Foundation Grant for PHS Robotics Program

• 1st NFL Punt, Pass and Kick competition

• Coordinated PSD Homecoming “Champion of the Year” events

• “Laughter and Lagniappe” Cajun Supper and Live Auction Fundraiser

• Petal High School Robotics Scholarship established

•  Coach Si Thompson “Bootstrap” Scholarship established

• Dr. Milton Baxter Band Scholarship established

• Dr. Chuck Harrell Allied Health Scholarship with PEF established

• Petal High School Junior ROTC Scholarship established

• Spirit of Robert Burgess Scholarship established

• W.S. “Red” Hancock Math & Science Scholarship established

• Dolly Parton Imagination Library Local Champion

• State Farm Awarded $25,000.00, “Petal To The Rescue” Allied Health/CPR Initiative

2013

• Friends of the Foundation Employee Funds Campaign

• Teacher/Administrator of the Year Awards

• Mini Grants for PSD Teachers, 8 teachers @ $800. 00 each

• Coordinated PSD Homecoming “Champion of the Year” events

• PHS Baseball/Softball Commemorative Brick Fundraiser

• NFL Punt, Pass, & Kick Competition

• Top 25 Scholarship Athlete Banquet established

• Dolly Parton Imagination Library Local Champion

• Wal-Mart Grant for Dolly Parton Imagination Library

• Mississippi Power Company Foundation Grant for PHS Robotics Program

• The Burkett Ross, Sr. Top Scholar Athlete Scholarship established

• Jerry and Vicky Mixon Scholarship established

• Petal Arts Council Scholarship established

• Mr. Willie Ratliff Memorial Scholarship established

• “Little Robert” Barding Special Needs Major Scholarship established

• Elizabeth Dabbs Brock, “Fight the Good Fight” Scholarship established

• Petal Youth Sports Association Scholarship established

• Debbie Walker Memorial Mini-Grant established

• 7th Annual “Laughter and Lagniappe” Cajun Supper and Live Auction Fundraiser

• Physical Education Grant established by senior, Carlton Reid/senior project.

• Coordinated the 2nd Annual NFL Punt, Pass & Kick Competition (134 participants)

• Backyard Bus, Excel By 5, Neighborhood Early Childhood Enrichment begun

• Coordinated the 2013 “Friends of the Foundation” Campaign

• Foundation Scholarship Donor/Recipient Reception

• Alumni Directory updated

2014

• PHS Baseball/Softball Commemorative Brick Fundraiser

• Teacher/Administrator of the Year Awards

• Mini Grants for PSD Teachers, 12 teachers @ $900.00 each

• NFL Punt, Pass & Kick Competition

• Coordinated PSD Homecoming “Champion of the Year” events

• South Mississippi Children’s Concert, guest artist, Red Grammer, 1600 children in attendance

• Mississippi Power Company Foundation Grant for PHS Robotics Program

• “Laughter and Lagniappe” Cajun Supper and Live Auction Fundraiser, $25,000.00 + raised

• Donation March 28, 2014 for purchase of covered batting cages for softball/baseball-$12,000.00

• Elizabeth Dabbs Brock “Fight the Good Fight” Scholarship Endowed

• Jimmy Havard Civic Service Scholarship established

• Mississippi Power Company Foundation grant for Robotics

• Donor/Recipient Reception for Foundation Scholarship winners

• Alumni Directory updated

• Coordinated School Board Member appreciation presentations

• Hall of Fame—Rebecca Fron, Dinner and reception

• Hosted the “Meet & Greet” for new Superintendent, Dr. Matt Dillon

• NFL Punt, Pass & Kick Competition

• Hosted the 1st Petal School District Retired Teachers Christmas Brunch

• Dolly Parton Imagination Library Local Champion

• Hosted Top Scholar Athletic Banquet

2015

• Mississippi Power Company Foundation grant for Robotics

• Teacher/Administrator of the Year Awards

• Mini Grants for PSD Teachers, 11 teachers @ $1000.00 each

• NFL Punt, Pass & Kick Competition

• Coordinated PSD Homecoming “Champion of the Year” events

• Resinall Science/Engineering Scholarship established

• Ronnie Harrington Memorial Baseball Scholarship established

• Gene High Memorial Scholarship established

• Dr. Eddie Miley Lewis Legacy Scholarship established

• Foundation Scholarship Donor/Recipient Luncheon

• Hosted the 2nd Annual retired teachers Christmas Brunch

• Hosted the Spring “Forget-Me-Not” Retired Teachers Tour and Luncheon at PHS

• Petal School District Ambassadors Program was established.  Twenty-four junior and senior students were chosen to be the face of the school district and aid the Foundation and Chamber of Commerce in events and marketing of materials

• Championed the PSD Yard Signs for Superintendent’s All A’s and A’s & B’s acknowledgement.

• Compiled Foundation Scholarship Booklet with history of scholarships

•  Coordinated School Board Member appreciation presentations

• Teacher/Administrator of the Year Awards

• South Mississippi Children’s Concert, guest artist, Don Monopoli, 1800 children in attendance

• Laughter and Lagniappe Crawfish Supper, raised approx. $23,000.00

• Walmart Grant for Dolly Parton Imagination Library

• Coordinated with Chamber of Commerce and Rotary the Mississippi Scholars Luncheon

• Forrest County Board of Supervisors donated $8,500.00 to help fund the Backyard Bus

• Established a Merit Scholar Plaque for the PHS Trophy Case

• Steve Simmons P.R.I.D.E. Scholarship established

• Hall of Fame—Dr. Milton Baxter, Sr., hosted dinner and reception

2016

• Mini Grants for PSD Teachers, 11 teachers @ $1000.00 each

• Kevin Patrick Duckworth Memorial Baseball Scholarship established and endowed

• Beth Havard English/Education Memorial Scholarship established

• Addison McKinley Memorial Scholarship established

• Kristi and Bob Pierce Leadership Scholarship established

• Greater Hattiesburg Homebuilders Association Scholarship established for Career & Technical Students for both a Junior and Senior student

• King CPA Scholarship established

• Making Strides Scholarship established

• Coordinated and hosted “Champion of the Year” Homecoming festivities "Champion of the Year” – Wayne Ross

• Hosted the 3rd Annual retired teachers Christmas Brunch

• Received the Mississippi Economic Development Award for the Backyard Bus

• Teacher/Administrator of the Year Awards

• Mississippi Power Company Foundation Grant for Robotics

• Petal High School Football 6A South State Championship Team Banquet

• South Mississippi Children’s Concert, guest artist, Stephen Fite, 2100 children in attendance with all proceeds to Excel By 5.

• Laughter & Lagniappe Crawfish Supper Fundraiser--$25,000.00

• Co-coordinated Excelebration—3rd Recertification event-“Saddle Up & Celebrate” for the city of Petal

• Coordinated with Chamber of Commerce and Rotary the Mississippi Scholars Luncheon

• Sponsored the PSD Ambassador Organization

• Gained three new sponsors for the PSD Ambassador Organization-Dr. David Roy, A & R Developments, Petal Chamber of Commerce

• Secured Dr. Dave Roy, Ambassador Organization Sponsorship

• Top 25 Scholars Athletic Banquet

• Mississippi Scholars Luncheon with Rotary Club of Petal

• Petal Education Foundation Donor-Recipient Luncheon

• Coordinated PSD Board Appreciation activities

• Coordinated Academic Hall of Fame events, hosted Mr. Bob Pierce, 2016 recipient

• Planned and coordinated the PSD Retiree Reception-May

• Coordinated the Nadine S. Coleman Retirement Dinner and Fundraiser benefiting the Dolly Parton Imagination Library--$15,000.00

• Wal-Mart Grant for Ambassador Project-School Supplies for Elementary Students

• Sponsored lunches for early PSD registration for staff at PPS

• Coordinated with Ambassadors the New PSD Employee Breakfast/Orientation

• Coordinated the “Friends of the Foundation” PSD Employee Campaign

• Coordinated Homecoming Activities for Champion of the Year—Wayne Ross

• Sponsored Student Honor Yard Signs

• Hosted the annual PSD Retiree Brunch-November 17th Hall of Fame Recipient-- Mr. Bob Pierce

2017

• Mini Grants for PSD Teachers, 11 teachers @ $1000.00 each

• Teacher/Administrator of the Year Awards

• Co-coordinated the Ambassador Retreat and Business Etiquette Luncheon

• Sponsored Student Honor Yard Signs

• Coordinated and hosted “Champion of the Year” Homecoming festivities "Champions of the Year” – Ted & Charlene Cannon

• Hosted the 4th Annual retired teachers Christmas Brunch

• Assisted in raising (to date) over $25,000.00 for Foundation Student/Staff Assistant Fund for January 21st Tornado relief.

• South Mississippi Children’s Concert, guest artist, Mr. AL, 2100 children in attendance with all proceeds to Excel By 5, Feb. 22, 2017

• Assisted in planning the 4th Petal Excel By 5 Planning Retreat-USM Alumni House

• Peggy James Child Nutrition Employee Dependent Scholarship established

• Petal School District Ambassador Scholarship established

• CTE Teacher Academy Scholarship established

• Aspiring Teacher/Educator Scholarship established

• Dee Dee and Robert Lowery Accounting Scholarship established

• “Power of the Pen” Creative Writing Scholarship established

• Odis B. Clinton Fine Arts Scholarship established funded by Cosmopolitan Club of Petal

• H. R. Nobles Leadership Scholarship established/funded by Cosmopolitan Club of Petal

• Health Care & Clinical Science Outstanding Student Scholarship established

• Teresa Brown Academic Excellence Scholarship in Health Care & Clinical Science Scholarship established

• CTE health Care & Clinical Science C-PAS Scholarship established

• 11th Annual “Laughter & Lagniappe” Crawfish Dinner with Live and Silent Auction-$33,000.00 raised

• Top 25 Scholars Athletic Banquet

• Mississippi Scholars Luncheon with Rotary Club of Petal

• Hall of Fame Recipient--Chad Allen Steed

 ​2018

• Mini Grants for PSD Teachers, 10 teachers @ $1000.00 each

• Teacher/Administrator of the Year Awards

• Co-coordinated the Ambassador Retreat and Business Etiquette Luncheon

• Sponsored Student Honor Yard Signs

• Petal Chamber of Commerce Community Service Scholarship established

• South Mississippi Children’s Concert planned—Jack Hartmann

• 12th   Annual “Laughter & Lagniappe” Crawfish Dinner with Live and Silent Auction raised approx. $23,000.00

• Larry Watkins Legacy Baseball Scholarship established

•  Top 25 Scholars Athletic Banquet

• Mississippi Scholars Luncheon with Rotary Club of Petal

• Academic Hall of Fame Recipient—Dr. Rebecca Barker Bedell

• Infant/Toddler Playground plans begun for Excel By 5.

• Donna Woods, local artist, is donating percentage of sales of Panther Stadium prints to the student assistance fund.

• Co-sponsor for PSD Ambassadors-Planned orientation, assisted with 3rd of July Fireworks volunteers, 3 community service projects,

• Assisted with Excel By 5’s 1st Community Baby Shower

• Hosted the 5th Annual Retired Teachers Christmas Brunch

• Friends of the Foundation Employee Campaign raised approximately $20,000.00

• Coordinated and hosted “Champion of the Year” Homecoming festivities "Champion of the Year” Demaris Lee

• Update for Alumni Directory on calendar

• Plans for a Community Service Scholarship and Pharmacy Scholarship

• Secured a sponsor for the Mississippi Scholars’ Tech Scholarship

2019​

• Teacher/Administrator of the Year Awards

• Co-coordinated the Ambassador Retreat and Business Etiquette Luncheon

• Mississippi Power Grant for Robotics Team at PHS

• Sponsored Student Honor Yard Signs

• South Mississippi Children’s Concert, raised $12,000.00—Stephen Fite

• 13th   Annual “Laughter & Lagniappe” Crawfish Dinner with Live and Silent Auction raised approx. $22,000.00

• Top 25 Scholars Athletic Luncheon

• Mississippi Scholars Luncheon with Rotary Club of Petal

• Academic Hall of Fame Recipient—Col. Eric Ross

• Infant/Toddler Playground fundraising, “The Great American Duck Derby,” year one raising $16,655.00 for Excel By 5.

• Ambassador began three legacy projects, Water Bottle Filling Stations, one is installed, Senior-Senior Prom at Bedford Care, in Petal, took place on Sunday, April 28th, and plans for the PHS Plaza, (Courtyard).  Ambassadors secured $25,000.00 from the Forrest County Board of Supervisors to begin work.

• $10,000.00 donation to fund the 2019 Teacher Mini-Grants

• Began raising funds for the Pearl River Community College/PHS Bridge Program.  Students can attend PRCC for their high school jr. and sr. year and graduate with an AA Degree as well as their high school diploma

• “Friends of the Foundation” PSD Employee Giving Campaign

• Randy Spears Community Pharmacy Scholarship established

• Jerry Shepherd Memorial Scholarship established

• Addison Morgan ‘Shine Your Light’ Memorial Scholarship established

2020​

• The Petal Education Foundation was selected as a 2020 Pinnacle Award Finalist (Sales and Marketing Professions of the Pine Belt

• Teacher/Administrator of the Year Awards

• Co-coordinated the Ambassador Retreat and Business Etiquette Luncheon

• South Mississippi Children’s Concert, raised $10,080.00

• Coffee and Class with Coach Si Thompson Fundraiser yielded $3585.57.

• Due to Covid-19 Corona Virus, Laughter & Lagniappe was postponed.

• Thirty-one (31) Ambassadors have been selected for the 2020-21 school year.

• Fifty-six (56) Petal High School graduating seniors received $42,900.00 in Foundation scholarships for pursuing a college education.

• Infant/Toddler Playground fundraising, “The Great American Duck Derby,” year two fundraising for Excel By 5 raised $21,093.93.

• Planet Nutrition partnered with the Petal Education Foundation donating 10% of sales, $1500.00 in September to the Student Assistance fund.

• Giving Tuesday with McAlister’s December

• Addison Morgan original art design note cards and Christmas Cards were produced to raise funds toward endowing a second ‘Shine Your Light’ Scholarship.  Coordinated efforts of Commercial Stationery, PHS Business & Marketing Classes and the Petal Education Foundation.  $8,072.19 has been raised thus far.

• The Jingle Bell Bazaar Online Auction took place in November.  Jeff Martin Auctioneers helped the foundation raised $10,800.00

• Blakeslee Family Archery Scholarship was established.

• Robert E. Russell, Sr. Scholarship established.

• $18,000. 00 was awarded in Mini-Grants to teachers.

• “Friends of the Foundation” Campaign raised $21,093.93.

• Received $10,000.00 from the Forrest County Board of Supervisors to off-set cost for mini grants

2021

• Robert E. Russell, Sr. Scholarship established

• Blossman Gas Community Scholarship established

• Continue to work for the Excel By 5 Infant/Toddler Playground

• Coach Marcus Boyles Legacy Scholarship established

• Coordinated the Coach Marcus Boyles Legacy Appreciation and Scholarship Fish Fry to endow the scholarship.  Over $14,000.00 was raised to endow the scholarship.

• Third Annual Excel By 5 Duck Derby Fundraiser for the Infant/Toddler Playground took place on Saturday, August 7th.  Coalition members raised $25,000.00+

• Coordinated with the Chamber the Dining Etiquette 101 Luncheon for PSD Ambassadors at Sully’s of Petal.  Linda Montgomery, certified Etiquette Trainer, Montgomery Protocol and  Etiquette

• Coordinated for Rotary Club of Petal, Mississippi Scholars Picnic

• Received $15,000.00 from Forrest County Board of Supervisors-Burkett Ross, for mini grants.

2022

• Charlton (Carlton) “Dennis” Myers Award/Scholarship established

• Commercial & Residential Construction Technology Scholarship established

• Organized the PEF Scholarship Donor-Recipient Brunch

• Teacher/Administrator of the Year Awards

• Co-coordinated the Ambassador Retreat and Business Etiquette Luncheon

• South Mississippi Children’s Crescent City Circus fundraiser to benefit Excel By 5

• Planning Committee for the Excel By 5 Retreat, Excelebration with Clifford the Big Red Dog

• Chaperoned Ambassadors to the Mississippi State Capitol tour and Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame tour

• Organized the Excel By 5 Diaper Drive, “Stuff the Bus” event at Wal-Mart for monthly diaper distribution at The Petal Task Force

• Organized Laughter & Lagniappe Crawfish Supper and Live Auction--$25,000 + profit

• Organized the Excel By 5 Duck Derby to raise funds for the Infant/Toddler Playground

• Created and presented the thank you gifts for Petal Aldermen from Excel By 5

• Secured  $18,000.00 for PEF Mini Grants from the Forrest County Board of Supervisors

• Coordinated “Friends of the Foundation” Campaign

• Coordinated homecoming activities for “Champion of the Year” Brad Eubank

• Created the “Hoop-Tea-Doo” ladies basketball booster event and spirit support group

• Coordinated Giving Tuesday partnership with McAlister’s Deli of Petal

• Nineteen Ambassadors for the 2022-23 school year

• Bruce Magee Scholarship established.  Coordinated the retirement reception for PSD Board President, Bruce Magee​

2023

• Co-coordinated the Ambassador Retreat

• R.L. & Nancy Hullum Choral Music Scholarship established

• R. L. & Nancy Hullum Visual Arts Scholarship established

• Don Graham Memorial Business Scholarship established

• Retirement reception

• Chaperoned Ambassadors to the Mississippi Arts and Entertainment Museum and Laruen Rogers Art Museum

• Twenty-five Ambassadors selected for the 2022-23 school year

• PSD Retiree Brunch

• Laughter & Lagniappe Crawfish Supper and Live Auction- $25,000 + raised

• Show choir assistance fund established for financially “at risk” students.  $2,800.00 raised to aid two school choir “Homeless Underage Youth.”

• Coordinated the Academic Hall of Fame Recipient events

• Funded the “PSD Support Staff of the Year” Awards

• Excel By 5 “Funny For Funds” fundraiser--$8,708.96

• Created and presented the thank you gifts for Petal Aldermen from Excel By 5

• Received $25,000.00 from the Forrest County Board of Supervisors for the Excel By 5 playground project