BY BILL MORGAN, STAFF WRITER
A new foundation has been developed in Becker to aid current and alumni students and teachers.
The organization is called Becker Education Foundation (BEF) and it was birthed by 2012 graduate Nathan Ernst and 2009 graduate Nick Crowley.
Last fall, Ernst and Crowley struck a conversation and shared ideas of things they felt were “missed opportunities” for Becker students. Crowley and Ernst say they both had great experiences going to Becker Schools and love the community they grew up in. Their purpose for the foundation is to give back to the community, the people and the school that raised them.
The two buddies continued their conversations and idea sharing thoughts and began sharing their ideas with Principal Rick Toso, then the business manager and then Supt. Stephen Malone and the district office to make sure there are no conflicts . witha any other board, committee or organization.
“It was well supported by the administration and does not create any conflicts,” Ernst said. “Dr. Malone was very clear that he supported it, but he wanted to be sure that it remained a grassroots effort and that the district didn’t become controlling of it. I think we are well-established to have a strong relationship with the administration.”
To get established, Ernst and Crowley contacted a Little Falls organization called the Initiative Foundation, who would provide training to them and handle a lot of the behind-the-scenes work.
“They handle our funds, they handle the legal work, taxes, etc,” said Ernst. “The training they provide includes how to run an advisory board, fundraising, marketing, etc.”
The BEF’s mission is to cultivate the educational experience of all students within the Becker school district through the connection of alumni and the support of the community, families and businesses.
Ernst and Crowley plan to focus on two main causes: 1). Focusing on providing grants and scholarships to classroom teachers and students; 2). To serve alumni through a variety of ways including networking and alumni events.
“We really feel that the opportunities are endless for this organization,” said Ernst.
Some of their ideas include, build community, host events for alumni, allow alumni to stay connected, help with reunions, scholarships, networking, mentorship program related to colleges or at least making sure students know they have a connection(s), job networking/networking events, organize a college/ tech school/work/military fair, grants for classrooms, leadership seminar/workshop, golf tourney/ raffle/dinner/fundraiser, helping with the Hall of Fame.
As of this week, the BEF organization consists of four members and looking to expand by seven or eight. The current members are Ernst (chairman), Crowley (vice chairman), Luke Fox (secretary, 2012 graduate) and Candice Johnson (finance, parent/alumni/ community member).
“Ultimately, we are a group of people that are passionate about the community that we live in,” Ernst said. “We are looking for an additional 7-8 folks to join our foundation.”
The BEF members are having an informational meeting Tues., July 17 at 5 p.m. at the high school in room 212.
“Anyone is encouraged to join us,” said Ernst. “Regardless if they are alumni or not. Following the meeting we'll be receiving a training from the initiative foundation on fundraisers. We'll begin planning for our first fundraiser/event that will occur during homecoming.”
