For the Huntington Beach Educational Foundation (HBEF), the theme for the 2008-2009 fiscal year was GROWTH!

Despite a poor economy, our community demonstrated their support for excellence in education: HBEF membership grew by 25%, our Showing Appreciation through Grant Endowment Program doubled last year’s proceeds, and we nearly sold out of Home and Garden Tour tickets. Together these successes enabled us to distribute $21,000 for the addition of new technology and materials into HBCSD classrooms.

"Despite a poor economy... HBEF membership grew by 25%,"During our first annual Excellence in Education Awards Reception, it was our honor to recognize our 2009 Teacher Grant Recipients, Scholar Squad and Educator of the Year (EOY) honorees. As this year’s EOY’s, Mr. Ravi Sohoni of Sowers Middle School and Ms. Michelle Grogan of Perry Preschool were honored for their outstanding efforts on behalf of the HBCSD students and community.

Students chosen for our first annual Scholar Squad were nominated by their teachers for demonstrating scholarly attributes and included: Brandon N., Nina N. and Nitsa K. (Dwyer), Genevieve S. and Vivian R. (Eader), Sierra D. (Hawes), Megan L. and Teagan W. (Moffett), Alexandra J. and Trinity T. (Perry), Austin J. and Trinon C. (Peterson), Nathan G. and Victoria S. (Seacliff), Amanda W. and Zachary Y. (Smith), and Jasmine N. (Sowers).

By supporting HBEF with your membership, patronage, sponsorship, or time you can help bridge the gap between what our students have and what they need to compete in an increasingly competitive world economy.