By JAN McLAUGHILN
BG Independent News
Bowling Green City School students are being given the opportunity to find the joy of raking leaves for a neighbor, the rewards of reading to little ones at the library, and satisfaction of collecting food for the hungry.
After supporting the schools, teachers and students for 25 years, the Bowling Green Schools Foundation wants to show students the value of serving others.
In honor of its 25th anniversary, the BGSF is launching the “25 Acts of Service” initiative. This program encourages all students, from kindergartners to seniors, to perform 25 acts of service throughout the 2024-25 school year.
In partnership with local community organizations, the foundation aims to foster a spirit of giving back among students. A calendar has been started at bgschoolsfoundation.com/25 to suggest some ways kids can serve others, such as:
- Seed collecting and clearing of invasive plant species in Bowling Green parks.
- Volunteering at Wood County District Public Library.
- Being a “hunger hero,” and donating food and toiletries for the Brown Bag Food Project.
- Volunteering at the Black Swamp Arts Festival.
- Raking leaves or shoveling snow for a neighbor unable to do those tasks themselves.
That is just the beginning, said Stacey Higgins, a Crim Elementary teacher and board member of the BGSF.
“We’re looking for new partners” in the community who can offer potential service projects for Bowling Green students.
“We are encouraging all of our students to give back,” Higgins said.
“The 25 Acts of Service’ initiative embodies our commitment to fostering a spirit of community and service among our students, reinforcing the values that make Bowling Green City Schools exceptional,” Superintendent Ted Haselman said earlier this year when the project was first introduced.
The students have until April 30 to perform 25 acts of service. They will be asked to list what services they fulfilled, and to describe a good moment or feeling during their volunteer efforts. Students who meet or exceed the 25 acts of service will be eligible for prizes and incentives, promoting a culture of service to the community.
“I appreciate you giving them the opportunity to do that,” Bowling Green Board of Education President Tracy Hovest said after a presentation was made to the board by Higgins and Joe Edens, president of the foundation.
Edens shared the philosophy of the foundation.
“We believe our community is stronger when our schools are stronger,” he said.
“We are on a mission to ignite the potential within every student and teacher. We believe in the transformative power of education and the profound impact it has on individuals and communities,” according to a foundation statement. “Our commitment is to provide unwavering support, resources and inspiration to students as they navigate their educational journeys, and to empower teachers with the tools they need to spark curiosity and foster a love for learning.”
For 25 years, the school foundation has been doing just that.
Since its inception in 1999, the BGSF, a registered charitable organization, has distributed hundreds of thousands of dollars in scholarships, teacher grants, and support for student and school programs.
“We are grateful to mark this meaningful anniversary with events that honor and encourage investment, service, and commitment to our students, teachers, and community,” Edens said earlier this year.
To commemorate this milestone, the BGSF has planned multiple events this fall, highlighting its longstanding impact and honoring the individuals who contribute to the success of Bowling Green City Schools.
The Bowling Green Schools Foundation will hold a 25th anniversary banquet on Oct. 14 at the Wood County Senior Center. The event will celebrate a quarter-century of support to the students and teachers at Bowling Green City Schools and recognize community members and alumni.
The foundation will honor Scott Hamilton, Class of 1976, at the event. Hamilton, a 1984 Olympic gold medalist, member of the United States Olympic Hall of Fame, and member of the World Figure Skating Hall of Fame, will be recognized for his professional success and personal commitment to service and philanthropy through multiple organizations and causes.
“Celebrating 25 years of support from the Bowling Green Schools Foundation is a testament to the incredible dedication and generosity of our community. This milestone highlights the profound impact the foundation has had on our students, teachers, and programs, enhancing the educational experience for everyone involved,” Haselman said.
For more information, visit bgschoolsfoundation.com/25 or contact info@bgschoolsfoundation.com.
