By Brigette Rambadt

Executive Director of Austin Public Education Foundation

Important events are fast approaching on the Austin Public Education Foundation timeline.

Planning has already begun for the 18th annual Packer Classic. This is the APE Foundation’s biggest Fundraiser and this July 19-20, it’s going to get even bigger.

In addition to the Monday Golf Tournament, we are expanding the event to include a banquet and auction to be held at the Hormel Historic Home on Sunday evening, July 19. Mark the calendars and plan now to attend. Fill a table with friends for a delightful evening filled with food, fun, art, talent and purpose.

The Austin Public Education Foundation, through the caring contributions of the Austin Community, has been expanding opportunities for the students of Austin Public Schools since 1990. Last year the APE Foundation was able to award over $33,000 in grants, designed by Austin’s excellent educators as a way to impact creative learning and sustain important programs. Without grant support many of these programs would otherwise go unfunded within the Austin Public School district. Please plan to join us this July and be a part of Austin’s commitment to excellence in education. For more information call the APE Foundation at 507-460-1938.

Another fast approaching date on the APE timeline is for Austin’s educators. The deadline for submission of grant requests is March 2.

Each year the teachers and staff within the Austin Public Schools create innovative grant requests to fill gaps and support programs that inspire their students.

This school year, Neveln Elementary School was awarded the highest amount in grants at just over $6,500 followed by Ellis Middle School, I.J. Holton Intermediate School, Austin High School, CLC/ECFE, Southgate Elementary School, Banfield Elementary School, Woodson Kindergarten Center and Sumner Elementary School. These dedicated teachers lead their students by example. Payroll deduction continues to grow steadily with the number of teachers and staff contributing to the APE Foundation. Thank you.

Your financial gifts will fund more grants.

One more important upcoming date on our timeline is the acceptance of nominations for the Distinguished Alumni Awards by the AHS Alumni and Friends Association. Nominate and recognize a graduate from AHS for their outstanding achievements or contributions.

Distinguished Alumni Award Candidates must have graduated from AHS at least 10 years prior to the induction nomination and are due by June 1. The AHS Alumni and Friends Association is also seeking new members. A one-year membership is just $15 and includes a subscription to the Post Sentinel.

The Post Sentinel is full of AHS facts, trivia and Alumni updates and is published twice a year. For more information contact Jeni Lindberg, chair for the AHS Alumni and Friends Association at 507-460-1938, P.O. Box 878 or e-mail jeni.lindberg@austin.k12.mn.us.

The most recent event on the APE Foundation timeline marks the arrival of the newest Austin Public Education Foundation board member and school board representative, Angie Goetz, stepping in as longtime dedicated board member Dick Lees moves on to a new schedule of community service.

Let’s look back on the APE Foundation timeline. In 1994, the Austin Public Education Foundation and the Austin Alumni and Friends Association dedicated the “Floor on the Wall” memorial. The ”Floor on the Wall,” with its reflective and relevant theme of “Preserving the Past and Planning the Future” is located in the hall between the Ove Berven and Packer Gyms. The “Floor on the Wall” was developed by Mike Ruzek and Peggy Benzkofer and built by Robert Ackland, Walt Alms and Robert Knutson. Financial support was provided by the AHS Alumni and Friends Association under the direction of Betty Wescott.

The floor is the original solid maple floor from the old gym. To date, 423 of the 992 memorial plates available have been dedicated to honor individuals, events and programs associated with the Austin Public Schools.

Individuals and couples who give $250 or more and businesses or organizations donating $500 or more are recognized with a plate on the wall to dedicate. Donations to the APE Foundation Endowment Funds through the “Floor on the Wall,” as well as direct donations are never spent; only the interest is used. These are the gifts that keep on giving. We hope you will jump in and join The Austin Public Education Foundation timeline through volunteer or philanthropic opportunities. Working together we are doing great things for the students of the Austin Public Schools.

For more information contact Brigette Rambadt E.D. for The Austin Public Education Foundation at #507-460-1938, P.O. Box 878, or e-mail brigette.rambadt@austin.k12.mn.us.  Check out the APE Foundation and the AHS Alumni and Friends Association from the www.austin.k12.mn.us website by clicking on the “Community” link.