Pellston Launches Education Foundation
From a tragedy earlier this year a new organization has emerged to serve the students of Pellston Public Schools. The new Pellston Education Foundation received its official articles of incorporation in August and members of their board of trustees introduced the foundation to the school’s board of education in September. A public launch is planned at the Pellston High School Homecoming game on Oct. 15th.
The inspiration for the foundation was Blake Wagenschutz, a 2011 Pellston graduate who was killed in a motorcycle accident this past April. Blake’s parents, Mark and Kim Wagenschutz, were long-time teachers and coaches at Pellston and they established a scholarship fund in Blake’s memory to support students in the building and trades program at Pellston. “Blake was a building and trades student and worked in the trades, so it seemed like a fitting tribute,” said Mark Wagenschutz.
After donations started coming in, a challenge emerged of how to safely hold, invest, and fairly distribute those memorial funds, and that’s what initiated the foundation. Wagenschutz started the conversation with Larry Cassidy, a financial advisor and long-time Pellston teacher and coach, and Carlin Smith, a former trustee with the Petoskey Education Foundation, and it just grew from there. “I’m still amazed at how quickly this has come together,” Wagenschutz said. “So many people have given their time and talents; Kim and I are totally humbled by what they’ve done,” he added.
Smith described his work with the foundation as a “labor of love.” “My wife teaches in Pellston and we’ve known the Wagenschutz family for many years and knew Blake since the day he was born. This is a good way for me to support the family and to leave a legacy for Blake that goes beyond his scholarship fund,” he said.
Smith acknowledged some professionals in the community that stepped up to assist the foundation including Attorney Claire Forster of Nelson Forster & Stokovich, P.C. who assisted with the articles of incorporation and is developing the foundation’s bylaws. Accountant David George of Rasmussen Teller and Caron P.C. completed the application with the IRS for the organization’s 501 (c) 3 status which is still pending. Sarah George of Connective Consulting loaned her expertise to develop a logo and brand for the new foundation. Willey’s Construction provided some early start-up funding (RANDY BRICKER SR TOO?), and Citizens National Bank assisted with the organization’s early banking needs.
Smith has stepped into the role of President of the new Foundation’s Board of Trustees and Wagenschutz is serving as Vice President. Sarah George is the secretary and Gennie Bricker is serving as treasurer. Other board members include Cassidy, former administrator Tom Litzner, board of education representative Serenity Dankert, Pat Mallory representing the Pellston Alumni Association, and Stephen Seelye, the Superintendent of Schools.
“It’s been important to work in partnership with the schools,” Smith noted. “The foundation will be a free-standing organization, but its purpose will be to serve the schools and they have been a great partner in the process,” he said.
The mission of the foundation is to “enrich the learning opportunities for students of Pellston Public Schools.” In the early stages that will primarily be achieved by providing scholarships for students pursuing higher education or who may want to attend camps or academic enrichment programs. As fund-raising expands, Smith says the board wants to provide funding for teachers and provide materials for programs that support learning. “Our vision is to help fund educational programs or supplies that fall outside of the traditional school budget,” Smith added.
Superintendent of Schools Stephen Seelye sees this is a great opportunity for Pellston. “We believe the foundation will be a great resource for our students and teachers,” he said. “A foundation can help us do things in the future that a school of our size might not be able to accomplish otherwise,” he added.
In addition to the Blake Wagenschutz Scholarship Fund, the foundation is also working in partnership with the Pellston Alumni Association to hold, invest, and distribute their scholarship funds. This provides the foundation with instant assets, but those funds are restricted for only scholarships, so a fund-raising campaign is underway to cover early operational costs.
The fund-raising campaign is called the Founders’ Corner and is designed to recognize those who step up with monetary donations or in-kind services to help set the foundation’s cornerstone. Those who make contributions of $250 or more by the end of the year will be permanently named on the Founders’ Corner. Sarah George who is helping to lead the campaign says a donation is a great way to leave a legacy with Pellston Schools and to be a part of something that is brand new for the community. Donations can be made to the Pellston Education Foundation, c/o Pellston Public Schools, 172 Park Ave., Pellston, MI 49769, or visit www.pellstonschools.org and click the foundation tab at the top.
Parents, alumni, and the community as a whole will be able to learn more about the foundation at the Pellston High School Homecoming Football Game on Fri. Oct. 15th. The foundation will be hosting a tailgate event with food and beverages between the parade and the game at the stadium. “We hope people will stop by for dinner and to chat with us about this exciting new organization in Pellston,” Smith said.
