Monticello School Foundation hits $31,100

     It was another successful year for the Monticello School District Foundation, raising $XXX through proceeds from its “Pep Rally & Alumni Reunion.”

     The 15^th annual event was held on March 7 at the Berndes Center.

     So many Monticello High School alumni, teachers, staff, administrators, volunteers and more were present to celebrate the school district.

     From 1992 through 2019, the Foundation has contributed over $750,000 “to enhance the educational opportunities for the Monticello students.”

     In 2019 alone, the Foundation gave $2,000 to the school for a program led by Jones County Extension & Outreach, $41,000 for the purchase of Chrome Books, $19,000 for IT calculators, and $775 for items for Teacher Appreciation.

     “It’s been helping to meet the needs of the Monticello Community School District for over 30 years.”

     The Foundation’s board of directors are all volunteers who dedicate their time, energy, and talents “to provide funding for projects and programs not funded by usual school budgets, with an emphasis on academic areas,” as the Foundation’s mission states.

     One of the Foundation’s board members, Annette Smith, recently broke her leg and was unable to attend the pep rally. However, Foundation board member Chris Brokaw, the evening’s emcee, acknowledged Smith’s hard work leading up to the event.

     “She did a lot of the prep work that didn’t require her to stand on both feet,” Brokaw said.

     So, Foundation board member Kathy Harms stepped up and led the group.

     “We, the board, needed someone to step up and take the reins and keep us on track for this year’s event,” explained Brokaw. “We needed someone who could give simple directions that we could understand. We needed someone to recognize that there was many different tasks that needed to be completed all at one time. But what we really needed was an elementary teacher.”

     That former elementary teacher was Harms.

     To get the party going, Brokaw asked attendees to stand up if any of the following phrases applied to them…

     “If you’re wearing underwear.”

     “If you have served or are currently serving this great nation.”

     “If you have been or are on the school board.”

     “If you were sold a ticket (for the pep rally) or were solicited a donation by Steve Williams.”

     “If you are a school administrator.”

     “If you are a past/current member of the school foundation.”

     “If you are the current president of the school foundation.” That would be Phil Hanna.

     Several MHS alumni classes were honored, particularly those ending in zero: ‘40, ‘50, ‘60, ‘70, ‘80, ‘90, ’00, and ’10. MHS graduates from non-zero years were also recognized.

     “If you’re a teacher.”

     “ If you were named the Iowa School Counselor Association School Counselor of the Year.” That would be Monticello Elementary School Counselor Aimee Hospodarsky.

     Brokaw said Elementary School Principal Denny Folken said it best: “Aimee is one of those rare people that have all of the important values that you want to see in your school counselor: leadership, professionalism, strong work ethic, empathy, trustworthiness, sense of humor, talented, knowledgeable, compassionate, the list goes on and on.

     “Congratulates, Aimee!”

     “If you know what this year’s 50^th anniversary is of in the history of Monticello sports.” Girls sports.

     “If you’re a UNI fan, Iowa State fan, Iowa Hawkeye fan.”

     “If you’re name is Winnie Williams.”

     Williams was honored by the Foundation for her years of dedication to the Foundation and the school district in general.

     “The retirement of Winnie Williams from Fawn Creek Homes is probably one of the best things to happen to Jones County,” said Brokaw. “She quickly immersed herself into doing good things for others.”

     The list of Williams’ service to the community as a whole is endless, but it includes: Jones Regional Medical Center, Camp Courageous, and the MCSD.

     “From reading to the elementary students to providing cookies and meals to the sports teams, she’s been fully engaged with her time and resources,” continued Brokaw. “She hardly ever misses a school activity, from freezing in the cold at football games to the warmth of the gym at basketball games.

     “Winnie’s legacy lives on in all of the students she has impacted directly.”

     Williams thanked everyone for the honor, noting just how valuable each and every member of the Foundation board is.

     “This is an awesome group to belong to. They all deserve this just as much as I do,” Williams said. “The whole group does wonderful things and I thank you all.”

     Before the live auction kicked off, led by auctioneer Bryan Britt, the MHS Band and MHS Boys Basketball team greeted the crowd. The band played the Monticello school fight song, and the basketball players introduced themselves one by one before saying a few words.

     “Thank you all for your support this season. Obviously it’s been a great season for us,” said senior Jeff Carlson. “We’re excited to go down to Des Moines and we hope to make you all proud. Go Panthers!”