Supporting Local Schools

Celebrate Great Falls raises more than $18,000 for local elementary schools.

— Members of Celebrate Great Falls presented a check for $18,125 to members of the Forestville, Colvin Run and Great Falls Elementary Schools. The money, which was raised at the annual golf tournament Monday, June 4, puts the total donated to local schools from the golf tournament at more than $98,000 in the last five years.

The tournament was part of the new Celebrate Great Falls Days that took place the first weekend in June, which combined the annual tournament with a few new events.

The money, donated to the Parent Teacher Associations and Organizations of the schools, will go to fill various needs that cannot be met with current county funding.

"We’re going to use the money on technology, to move from computers to an iPad cart, which will allow us to take the iPads from room to room, so students won’t have to go down to a computer lab," said Becky Zeiller, past president of the Forestville Elementary PTA.

Laura Skeen, incoming PTO president at Colvin Run Elementary, says their money will also go to updating the school’s technology.

"We’re going to put more focus than ever on our technology program, and we’re grateful to Celebrate Great Falls for being a joy to work with," she said. "Our school has a technology focus, and now we’re ready to take the next step."

Great Falls Elementary School plans to use the money to rebuild their track, which is used by local sports teams, as well as nearby residents.

"Thanks to Celebrate Great Falls, our technology needs are met, so we’re using it to rebuild a true asset for this community, especially our sports teams," said Caroline Divone, past president of the Great Falls PTA. "This also goes along with our plan for next year, which will be to launch several new health initiatives at the school."