Iron County’s Golf Event Fuels Educational Dreams

The Iron County School District Foundation continues to make a difference for local students and teachers through classroom grants, student assistance programs, and community fundraising efforts, according to representatives of the organization during a recent appearance on the Big Picture Morning Show on KSUB radio.

Shauna Lund, Communications Director for the Iron County School District and coordinator of the foundation, said the volunteer-led organization exists to support students and classrooms through private donations rather than taxpayer funding.

“It’s a volunteer board of business leaders throughout the community, and our sole purpose is to raise funds for classrooms and for students,” Lund said during the broadcast.

One of the foundation’s most visible efforts is its annual golf tournament fundraiser, scheduled this year for June 3. The event, which has already sold out with 32 teams, raises money for classroom grants that help teachers bring special projects and educational tools into their classrooms.

Teacher Request Classroom Grants In Fall

Each fall, teachers submit grant applications outlining their needs and explaining how the requested materials will benefit students. Foundation board members then review presentations and award grants ranging from a few hundred dollars to approximately $1,500. Lund said the foundation typically distributes about $25,000 in classroom grants each year.

Those grants have funded a wide variety of projects, from science classroom manipulatives and art supplies to hands-on learning experiences that might otherwise be beyond a school’s regular budget.

In recent years, the foundation has expanded its efforts beyond classroom grants. Lund highlighted a program that helps elementary students obtain new clothing, shoes, backpacks, and school supplies before the start of the school year. Last year, the program served 45 students who otherwise may not have had access to new back-to-school items.

The foundation is governed by a nine-member board that includes business leaders, educators, and community volunteers. Among them is board president Paul Terry, who said his involvement began after attending the golf tournament as a participant.

“I was so impressed with the mission of the Iron County School District Foundation” that he sought ways to become more involved, Terry said.

Read More: What Tops Utah's Streaming Requests

Terry noted that the board’s members share a commitment to education and community service. He described the foundation as a bridge between the district and the teachers working directly with students.

“If you have a desire to serve, that’s all that we ask for,” Terry said. “This is our opportunity to give back of our time and our resources.”

Although golfer registration is full for this year’s tournament, Lund said businesses can still participate by sponsoring holes and supporting the foundation’s ongoing mission to help students and teachers throughout Iron County.

Get our free mobile app

You can hear the entire interview with Shauna Lund and Paul Terry in the podcast below.