photo by Kelli Wright

Those who gave $25,000 or more to the Demopolis City Schools Foundation were presented with specially made chairs at their 13th annual luncheon Thursday. Standing is Jay Reynolds on behalf of the John C. Webb III and Marie Suttle Webb Foundation and Joe Parr of Parr's, Inc. Sitting are Chuck Smith representing Rock-Tenn Company and Irma Parr, also of Parr's, Inc.

DCSF honors donors

By Kelli Wright (Contact) | Demopolis Times

Originally published 05:26 p.m., July 17, 2008
Updated 11:51 a.m., July 18, 2008

DEMOPOLIS — For the 13th year in a row, supporters and friends of the Demopolis City Schools Foundation gathered Thursday to recognize those who have made the last year of the foundation a success.

After opening remarks from vice president of the foundation John Northcutt and Cecil P. Williamson, mayor of Demopolis and board of directors, the luncheon became a time to reflect on the accomplishments of the last year.

Kim Townsend, chairman of the Resource Development and Membership Committees, said a record number of contributors joined the foundation this year. In total the foundation had 317 contributors, 274 of which were members.

In addition to a successful alumni capital campaign, and various other fundraisers, a first this year was the Birdies for Charity program sponsored by the Regions Charity Classic Foundation as part of its annual golf tournament. Tied into the promotion was the Golf Ball Scan by Food World.

He said Schoolfest, while it didn’t break the record from last year, raised $22,000. Every penny is earmarked for grants this fall. The winning school will be announced after classes begin in August.

“We’ve had a good year, ” Townsend said. “But 2009 is going to be a challenging year, especially in light of the economy and our recent investments. We just want to encourage everyone to continue to support the foundation.”

Next to speak was Dr. Isaac Espy, principal at Demopolis High School, on behalf of the teachers who received grants from the foundation this past year. Last September $55,000 was awarded in grants.

“You are in the right place and have all the right equipment (to do well),” Espy said. “Our community is only as good as our schools.”

After Espy’s remarks two Demopolis City Schools faculty were recognized with a special honor, the first Hugh A. Lloyd Excellence in Education Award, which is given to teachers to honor the late co-founder and president of the organization.

U.S. Jones Elementary School teachers Erma Banks and Penny Stanford were presented with $1,000 to be used however they choose to enhance classroom education. Presenting the honor were two of Lloyd’s daughters, Libba Goodman and Sally Proctor.

According to Jan McDonald, executive director of the foundation, the award recognizes teachers who have demonstrated their commitment to the mission of the Foundation: to foster and promote excellence in the Demopolis public school system.

The final portion of the program was the recognition of 38 members who contributed $500 or more during the past year. Included were three donors who received chairs for investing $25,000 over several years. Irma and Joe Parr accepted the chair for Parr’s, Inc., Chuck Smith, for Rock-Tenn Company, and Jay Reynolds, for the John C. Webb III and Marie Suttle Webb Foundation.

Engraved lamps were awarded to executive donors, whose contributed $5,000 or more during the year. They were Georgia-Pacific, accepted by Terry Hadaway; Cemex, by Luis Lopez; Betty McCormick and Dan and Vickie Wilson.

As is tradition, the plaques awarded to patron donors featured artwork from a student at U.S. Jones Elementary School. Ryan Morrison, son of Dereck and Leslie Morrison, received a plaque with his art and a $25 award.

Patrons receiving the plaque with Ryan’s design were Woody and Joy Collins, Rotary Club of Demopolis, accepted by Braxton Spahos; Trinity Episcopal Church, by Ken Snow; Wallace Wood Products, by Tracy Riffe; Frances Roberts; Bank Trust, by Olen Kerby, and Louise Webb Reynolds.

Patrons unable to attend the luncheon were William M. Spencer III, Robert Matthews, Evans & Franks, Inc., Hexion Specialty Chemicals and Claud and Cindy Neilson.

Partner framed certificates went to Thomas and Kayte Melton, accepted by Catherine Meador; Frank and Lucette Osborne, Mrs. C.W. Horton, William and Judilyn Horton, Marengo Insurance, by Jay Reynolds, Travis and Linda Burnham, Southern Tank Leasing, by Dan Duke;The Demopolis Times, by Gennie Phillips-Odom; Foster Farms, by Burnham, and Dr. Isaac Espy.

Unable to attend were Amelia Traeger, Bryan and Maxine Compton, Fred and Mary Rutledge, Randal S. Anderson, James Bailey, M.S. and Lynn Brasfield, Newell Paper Products, and E. Mabry Rogers.