Delta Kappa Gamma lauds LCCF for support of students
LAPEER COUNTY — The Lapeer County Community Foundation (LCCF) plays an integral role in promoting and supporting programs to benefit local communities.
This week, LCCF was acknowledged for its magnanimous support of educational opportunities benefitting Lapeer County students.
On Thursday, June 3, the Lapeer County chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma recognized the foundation as a “Friend of Education.”
Presenting the award were DKG President Judy Periat and Dina Miramonti, the chapter’s recording secretary.
Superhero Meghann Adams, aka ‘Money Marvel,’ offers an assist to Gianna Garcia, during Deposit Day at Weston Elementary.
“DKG is proud to recognize and thank LCCF and (Executive Director) Nancy Boxey for the amazing work they do for all Lapeer County students and teachers,” Periat said. “We are also pleased to have the opportunity to recognize LCCF for the scholarships they offer older students, and LEAF program which gives students a head start on saving for their higher education.
“We want to acknowledge the Lapeer County Community Foundation as a ‘Friend of Education.’”
Deposit Day, too
Coincidentally, the award was presented during one of the foundation’s LEAF “Mobile Deposit Days” at Weston Elementary School in Imlay City.
The LEAF (Lapeer County Educational Attainment) program is a child savings account made available to every kindergarten student in Lapeer County.
This year marks the second year the foundation has invested in the savings accounts for younger savers countywide.
The “deposit-only” accounts have been seeded with an initial deposit of $25 from the Lapeer County Community
Foundation.
The expectation is that the students, their parents and grandparents will continue to make deposits until the account matures at their times of graduation.
The accumulated dollars may be used for any type of post-high school educational opportunities.
On Thursday, every child that made a deposit into his/her account was treated to ice cream.
Thus far, more than 1,700 kindergarten and first-grade students have been provided LEAF-funded child savings accounts.
Serving as rural model
The LEAF program has been recognized as a “rural model” among 16 existing Children’s Savings Account (CSA) programs available in the State of Michigan.
Boxey said LEAF’s goal is to encourage, support and incentivize young people to save, while simultaneously providing students and families financial literacy training and asset building opportunities
“LEAF is a public-private partnership between the Lapeer County Community Foundation, the ELGA Credit Union, and all public, parochial and charter schools in Lapeer County,” Boxey noted. “We are proud to receive this honor from Delta Kappa Gamma.”
Delta Kappa Gamma (DKG) is an international organization promoting professional and personal growth of women educators and the pursuit of excellence in education.
Founded in 1968, the Lapeer County DKG Beta Lambda Chapter includes members from local county school districts.
Boxey said the success of LEAF is reliant on continued support from local communities, individuals and partnerships with businesses and organizations.
The local Delta Kappa Gamma chapter is among those to have stepped up in support of the student savings program.
“As educators, DKG recognizes the importance of creating a culture of lifelong learning amongst students,” said Boxey. “They realize the need to begin these conversations surrounding education and savings at an early age.”
For further information about LEAF, student scholarships and other available programs, contact LCCF Executive Director Nancy Boxey at 810-664-0691.
Tom Wearing started at the Tri-City Times in 1989, covering the Village of Capac as a beat reporter. He later served stints as assistant editor and editor. Today, he covers Imlay City and Almont as a staff writer. He enjoys music and plays drums and sings with various musical groups in the Detroit Metropolitan area.
