From the Peekskill school district…

At the most recent Peekskill Board of Education meeting, members of the Peekskill Education Foundation were honored for their commitment to expand and enrich the educational experiences and opportunities of students within the city’s schools.

Founded in 2003, the PEF is an independent, not-for-profit organization.
Co-founder and current Board President, Jeff Stern was joined at the podium by other board members to receive a Certificate of Appreciation and a bud rose from Board of Education President, Dr. Connie Lobur, Superintendent of Schools, Judith Johnson and Board Vice President, Fran Feuerman.

To date, the Peekskill Education Foundation has awarded over $77,000 in support to the district. Their most recent fundraising effort, Dine Out for Education, secured 10% of one days proceeds from 22 participating restaurants to be donated to the Foundation.

In acknowledging the support the Foundation has provided to the district, Superintendent Johnson enumerated the many grants it has awarded, including funds toward the purchasing of violins for the Pilot Violin Program.

Implemented late last year, the Pilot Violin Program received over 100, 3rd and 4th grade student applicants. Of the 45 students selected, 20 performed that evening, playing Beethoven’s Ode to Joy and Frere Jacques.

This was followed by a presentation from two high school students, Peekskill High School junior, Alex Velez- Green and sophomore, Derek Johnson detailing the Authentic Science Program.

The program provides students with an opportunity to participate in the community of scientific research and scholarship as part of their high school experience. It furthers development in performance and achievement, while drawing from and developing scientific capabilities.

Mr. Velez- Green is developing a feasibility study on wind energy as an alternative energy source for the Peekskill School District while Mr. Johnson’s research centers on subliminal messages in viral videos.