Tim Hale, Chairman of the Board for the Lincoln County School District #2 Education Foundation, visited the SVI Radio studio on Wednesday, July 9, to provide a quarterly update on the foundation’s activities, highlighting the success of the recent scholarship drive and the introduction of the Star Valley Gateway program.
During the interview, Hale expressed enthusiasm for the annual scholarship drive, which has become a cornerstone of the foundation’s support for local students. “We had a total of 58 donors give 205 scholarships to 92 students,” he noted. This effort resulted in over $145,000 in donations, a commendable achievement, though slightly below the foundation’s record of nearly $200,000 in previous years.
RELATED: TIM HALE WITH THE LCSD 2 EDUCATION FOUNDATION –
The scholarships were awarded across the entire school district, encompassing Swift Creek High, Cokeville, and Star Valley High, with 82 recipients from Star Valley High alone. Hale acknowledged the vital role of community support in making these scholarships possible, thanking Executive Director Kim Dockstader for her outreach efforts.
Looking ahead, Hale confirmed that preparations for the next scholarship drive for the Class of 2026 are already underway. He emphasized that potential donors can tailor their contributions to specific areas of interest, such as STEM fields, trades, or the arts.
In addition to the scholarship drive, Hale discussed the Star Valley Gateway program, which aims to enhance educational opportunities by addressing the need for teachers with advanced degrees. The program has already yielded positive results, as evidenced by a successful pilot project with teacher Krista Hershey. Through donor support, Hershey is pursuing a master’s degree that will enable her to teach college-level courses, thereby benefiting numerous students in the district.
Hale reiterated the foundation’s commitment to aligning with the needs of the school district and the community. He expressed that the foundation is always open to ideas and support from community members. He encouraged anyone interested in contributing to reach out to the foundation, highlighting various avenues for giving, including estate planning and tax-efficient donation options.
As the foundation continues its mission to support education in Star Valley, Hale remains optimistic about future initiatives and the lasting impact they can have on local students. For more information on how to get involved or support the LCSD #2 Education Foundation, interested parties are encouraged to contact Hale or Kim Dockstader directly.
