For Immediate Release: August 17, 2016
Contact: Renée Rybak Lang, 703.740.4841, reneerl@nasbe.org
Guam Foundation for Public Education Named NASBE’s 2016 ‘Friend of Education’
Alexandria, Va. — The Guam Foundation for Public Education Inc. is being honored this year as NASBE’s 2016 “Friend of Education.” This national award is given annually to an individual or organization whose contributions to education are significant and enduring.
Established in 2014, the Guam Foundation for Public Education Inc. is a nonprofit foundation run by volunteers that serves as a conduit between the Guam Department of Education and the community and its resources. By raising awareness throughout the community and its fundraising efforts, the foundation supports student achievement, excellence, and opportunity, as well as fostering stakeholder engagement in Guam public education.
“The foundation raises awareness about the importance of education to our island’s future and is integral to fostering community partnerships with the Guam Department of Education,” says Guam Education Board Chairwoman Lourdes San Nicolas. “The foundation has made several initiatives possible, including Guam’s Teacher of the Year award, which has highlighted so many outstanding teachers and continues to inspire and acknowledge the best of the best teachers in Guam.”
The foundation publishes a quarterly island-wide education newsletter to ensure that the community is aware of the great work and successes of Guam’s public schools. It also sponsors the annual Guam Department of Education “Be Healthy… Be Smart 2K/5K Fun Run” to benefit Guam public schools. Last year, 1,400 runners participated in the fundraiser, double the number from the previous year.
“On behalf of the Foundation for Public Education Inc. board of directors, we would like to say a big Un Dangkalu’ Na Si Yu‘os Ma‘ase to the Guam Education Board for nominating the foundation and to NASBE for selecting the foundation as the 2016 “Friend of Education,” says board chairman Noel M. Enriquez. “As private sector volunteers, we all believe that a thriving public education system is the key to Guam’s success and survival and through the foundation, contribute to the strength of our community.”
“Education works best when schools, parents, and the community are partners in supporting students. The Guam Foundation for Public Education’s work has improved educational opportunities for all of Guam’s children,” says NASBE Executive Director Kristen Amundson.
The 2016 Friend of Education Award will be presented this October at NASBE’s national conference in Kansas City, MO. Learn more about the conference.
The National Association of State Boards of Education represents America’s state and territorial boards of education. Our principal objectives are to strengthen state leadership in education policymaking, advocate equality of access to educational opportunity, promote excellence in the education of all students, and ensure responsible lay governance of education. Learn more at www.nasbe.org.
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