The Golden Eagle Education Foundation has supported local students for the past two decades through various scholarship opportunities, classroom projects, the local mentoring program and more, and that tradition continues in 2014.

Since 1993, 573 graduating seniors have been awarded more than half a million dollars in scholarships through efforts organized by the GEEF. More than 9,200 students have benefitted from GEEF’s funding of more than $30,000 in special classroom projects while more than 1,400 students have benefitted from the Mentor Program, one of the many branches of the GEEF.

According to GEEF’s Jeannie Ryan, none of this would have been possible without the time and support of local individuals and businesses, donating their time to work with students and goods/services/financial support to make projects and scholarships a reality.

“We are so grateful for all of the community support,” Ryan said.

“Their investment in our children’s education continues to impact the community positively.”

Ryan said that several local organizations deserve special recognition for their continued annual donations to the GEEF, including the American Legion Auxiliary, Noon Kiwanis, Four Peaks Rotary and Fountain Hills Noon Rotary.

The organization has also been the recipient of numerous helpful grants, which were recently announced during the GEEF’s board meeting.

Most recently, the GEEF has received a $5,000 grant from Wells Fargo for the mentor program, a $10,000 grant from the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation (Prop 202 grant) to be split between the mentor program and classroom projects, and $1,500 from the Fountain Hills Community Foundation for the mentor program, classroom projects and general funding.

Mentoring

Ryan said that mentoring is one of the biggest undertakings for the GEEF and, as always, the group is happy to welcome new members looking to spend just an hour a week with a local student.

The Fountain Hills Mentor Program was developed to offer local children the opportunity to reach their maximum potential.

By providing trusting relationships between young people and individuals, the program is aimed at developing the youth’s confidence, competence and character.

Committing one hour per week, volunteers are serving as both tutor and mentor. All work is provided by the teacher. The mentor simply need show up, work with the student and help them achieve their goals.

While the Fountain Hills Mentor Program brings enrichment to the lives of local youth, it can’t be underestimated the sense of personal gratification and enjoyment it brings to the volunteers, too, according to Ryan.

For those interested in finding out more or becoming mentors themselves, contact Jeannie Ryan at ryanjmst@aol.com.

Raffle

To make all these projects possible, the GEEF needs annual funding and, this year, the GEEF is once again hosting a special raffle.

Tickets cost $20 or three for $50, with three cash prizes being awarded. One winner will receive $1,000 with a $500 prize going to two additional winners.

The drawing for the prizes will be held on March 19, and winners will be notified immediately after.

For more information on the raffle or to get involved with the Golden Eagle Education Foundation, call Jeannie Ryan at 836-2177 or email ryanjmst@aol.com.