Being a champion for education was always an important aspect to former Madison High School teacher Norm Johnson's character. He valued the opportunity to teach and coach thousands of students throughout his career; even in retirement, he volunteered as a playground attendant.
The Madison Central School Educational Foundation has renamed the Innovative Education Grant and Educator Enhancement Grant Program the "Norm Johnson Memorial Educator Grant Endowment."
The endowment will fund mini-grants that are focused on assisting educators inside and outside the classroom. It will still be administered as in the past, but with the goal of offering more opportunities for teachers, which in turn helps the students.
"Our goal is to focus on increasing awareness and monetary contributions to this program to assist educators. Creating the Norm Johnson Endowment ensures that the Foundation is making a permanent commitment to that purpose," said Monica Campbell, Foundation executive director.
"Norm Johnson left a lifetime impression on me," said Madison Central Superintendent Vince Schaefer. "Having had Norm as a student and now as superintendent, I am excited and honored to be involved in creating the Norm Johnson Memorial Educator Grant Endowment. Now his educational legacy will live on."
The initial introduction to this endowment will be at the Foundation's Oct. 19 Philanthropy Dinner.
"After meeting with the Johnson family, we felt that kicking off this program at our annual fundraising event would be a great opportunity for us to promote the endowment," Campbell said.
Anyone at any time may contribute to the endowment. Contact Campbell at monica.campbell@k12.sd.us or 605-256-7710.
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