By Kenzie Gamlin | HCCSC Communications Intern
During the Jan. 9 school board meeting, a donation of $60,000 was accepted for Roanoke Elementary School from the first Paul and June Everitt Foundation Grant. This will be used to build a pavilion in the playground area.
The Everitt Foundation was created in honor of Paul and June Everitt, who formerly taught at Roanoke, both retiring in the 1980s. The foundation was created after the passing of both educators. Paul passed in 1993 and June passed in 2020.
The Everitt Foundation’s mission is to better the social, recreational and psychological lives of the people of Roanoke and surrounding Huntington County areas. The foundation mainly focuses on children and the elderly.
The donation will be used to build a 25-by-45-foot pavilion for the children at Roanoke. This pavilion will be located in the playground area so students can take breaks from the sun. This space will also make a viable space for outdoor classroom activities.
“We are so thankful to have received this grant in honor of Paul and June Everitt,” Roanoke Principal Jami Craft said. “We are thankful for their commitment to the youth and town of Roanoke.”
Roanoke wants to continue their outdoor area by adding benches and picnic tables in the hope that students and community members will use this area for outdoor activities.