Honor Coworkers, Retirees with Donations to MCPS Cares

The MCPS Educational Foundation’s employee giving program continues this month with a campaign focused on supporting endowments created in recognition of coworkers or retirees. By making a one-time or ongoing gift, you can provide support for endowments created in special recognition of retired MCPS employees or contribute to the Foundation’s mission in honor of a colleague (past or current). The six endowed funds listed below all honor the work of teachers and administrators. They support performing and visual arts instruction or provide scholarships for students.
The six Foundation funds are:
Linda Adams Fine Arts Grant
This fund, named for the former MCPS supervisor of Pre-K-12 Fine Arts, provides grants for programs in the visual arts, with special consideration given to proposals that are innovative, collaborative or community-based, and support students in need.
Larry A. Bowers Scholarship Fund
Friends and colleagues honored Larry’s 38 years of service to MCPS and the Educational Foundation by creating an endowed scholarship in his name that will be awarded as part of the Dr. Paul L. Vance Scholars Program.
Frieda K. Lacey Scholarship Fund
In celebration of her 41 years of service, colleagues and friends recognized retired Deputy Superintendent Frieda K. Lacey by establishing a scholarship supporting first-generation college students. This continues Dr. Lacey’s personal commitment to assisting students who are the first in their families to attend college.
JoAnn Leleck Endowment Fund
Former principal JoAnn “Jody” Leleck believed every child could succeed and it defined her life and work as a school leader. Honor her work with a gift that will make a difference in the educational experience of students attending JoAnn Leleck Elementary School at Broad Acres.
Dr. Paul L. Vance Scholars Program
In 1998, the Foundation’s Board of Directors renamed its scholarship awards program in honor of Dr. Paul L. Vance, former MCPS Superintendent of Schools, who is acknowledged as a distinguished leader in K-12 education. This program provides scholarship assistance for promising MCPS students who are financially disadvantaged.
Wayne Whigham Fund for Musical Arts Education Grant
This endowed fund provides grants in support of musical arts programs, such as vocal and instrumental methods to enhance learning opportunities for students interested in the musical arts. Colleagues and friends joined the Whigham family to establish this fund in honor of Wayne’s lifelong passion for music and his nearly 40-year MCPS career.