To the Editor:

In 2012, during the recession, a group of concerned parents, students, coaches, and teachers got together to form a 501C3, not-for-profit organization. The mission of the organization was to raise funds for sports, art, music and extracurricular activities that were at risk of being eliminated.

After years of fundraising and procuring items for the district like musical instruments, a potter’s wheel, exercise equipment, art supplies, and the like, the organization has changed its focus. As the economy has rebounded, members have decided that we will open up those funds for grant purposes to enhance the educational experience of our students.

The grant is open to applications that coincide with our mission statement and are to be used within the Berne-Knox-Westerlo School District. We would like to thank the community, the students, the teachers, and the parents who have supported us through the years.  Applications may be found at www.bkwbulldogpride.org.

Tim Allen, president

Maureen Abbott, treasurer

Amy Anderson, secretary

Jill Norray, board member