The Norris Area Community Foundation donates more than $11,000
From left are Josh Anderson, Norris Foundation board member Jill Murphy - East TN Foundation, Alison Greenhouse - Norris Elementary School, Bryce Glover - Girls Incorporated of Tennessee Valley, Jim Kuban with son Nash – Fairview and Norris Elementary Schools, Robbie Herrel – principal of the Anderson County Career and Technical School, Jim Hayes – chairman of the Norris Area Community Foundation, Bonnie Peacock – Norris Area Community Foundation board member, and Steve Weaver – Norris Area Community Foundation board member.
Chrystal Frevre, on behalf of the Anderson County Career and Technical Center, was awarded $2,500 for a 3D printer.
Frevre said that as an educator, she wants to introduce students to the world of 3D modeling on a new level. She wants to teach how our world has progressed into taking food to another creative level. She said that she was inspired by a previous student who loved being a part of engineering, went to the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, for its engineering program and now aspires to become a pastry chef.
Frevre stated that she wants to ignite the imagination of creativity in class and show students how worlds connect, especially concerning the combination of engineering and food.
Physical education teacher Jim Kuban, applied for and received two grants: one for Fairview Elementary School and one for the Norris Elementary School.
Fairview Elementary received $2,500 for its new “Ninja Warrior” course.
This fitness project is highly motivating for students and provides a means to improve all five elements of fitness which are muscular strength, endurance, flexibility, cardiorespiratory endurance, and body composition, he said.
Norris Elementary School also received $2,500 for its new “Gaga Ball Fitness Fun” program. Gaga Ball is a fast-paced, high-energy sport, similar to dodgeball, played in an octagonal “gaga” pit. Participants play with a soft foam ball, and combine the skills of dodging, striking, running, and jumping, while trying to avoid getting hit with the ball below the knees. The project is inclusive to PE, recess, and academic school time learning through a game and reward system for students.
Girls Inc. of the Tennessee Valley received $2,500 to offer girls in Norris Area Community Foundation’s serving area an immersive learning opportunity aimed at encouraging healthy lifestyle options and education through our Mind and Body Experience Camps. Girls Inc. leader Bryce Glover said each camp is based around providing girls information and education on healthy food options, positive mental health building, and more.
These camps help girls take charge of their physical, emotional, and mental health in order for them grow into healthy, educated, and independent young adults.
Alison Greenhouse was given an additional grant of almost $2,000 for Norris Elementary School to purchase picnic tables to expand the school’s outdoor classroom experiences.
“It is a genuine pleasure for The Norris Area Community Foundation to award grants to such a wide variety of programs that enhance our community,” Kibler said, adding that “awarding grants to these worthy organizations and schools [is] only possible through the financial contributions from generous individuals and businesses.”
The Norris Area Community Foundation’s annual fundraising event, the 2022 Renaissance Run 5K & Fun Walk, was held in May in Norris.
For questions about future Norris Area Foundation grants or to stay current with upcoming events and announcements, email requests to norrisareacommunityfoundation@gmail.com or visit its Facebook page, @RenaissanceRun.
The Norris Area Community Foundation is an affiliate fund of the East Tennessee Foundation.
The nonprofit foundation invests the proceeds from the Renaissance Run in a wide variety of programs, projects and services benefiting residents within its area communities, including Norris, Andersonville, Bethel and Fairview.
