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Waterloo Schools Foundation Celebrates Reaching Their $2 Millionth Dollar 

Hannah Luce 

[email protected] 

Local Nonprofit Organization Sparking Academic Excellence in Public Education

Waterloo, IA: The Waterloo Schools Foundation (WSF) has gifted its $2 millionth dollar to the Waterloo Community School District.  The WSF invites the community to celebrate on Nov., 10th from 5-6 pm at the Waterloo Career Center for a social with a brief program at 5:30 pm.  

For 12 years, the Foundation has been dedicated to supporting and setting a standard of excellence for all students and staff of the Waterloo Schools to ensure they have the resources to thrive, grow and feel confident in their academic journey.  WSF reached its $1 Millionth Milestone in 2017 and more accomplishments have been made since.  In the past 5 years, the Foundation has funded multiple district initiatives, programs, and learning opportunities for students and faculty for a total of $2,006,637.68.

“The Waterloo Schools Foundation is a vital asset to the Cedar Valley, and we are more than grateful for all of the community support that has helped us reach this milestone of 2 million dollars invested into the WCSD,” Executive Director, Hannah Luce said. “Our work continues on, and this is only the beginning of our lasting impact on Waterloo’s public schools.” 

The Waterloo Schools Foundation funds numerous academic programs and projects that would otherwise be unavailable to the Waterloo Schools.  These initiatives push the schools, students, and faculty for academic excellence. “The Waterloo Schools could not be any happier with our relationship with the Waterloo Schools Foundation,” said Waterloo Community School District Superintendent, Dr. Jared Smith.  “The fact that the Foundation has already surpassed $2 million dollars in donations speaks to the incredible commitment of the community to the students, staff, and families in our district.” 

The Foundation’s latest donation was to Central Middle School to bring in Bruce Henry for the Evolution of African American Music. This donation supports understanding the historical influences the African and African-American communities have made in developing various music genres. As a district serving 60% minority students, this presentation allows for students to grow and learn artistically about Black music. It is an excellent opportunity for WSF to support initiatives that not only enhance the academic experience of Waterloo’s BIPOC students but also create learning opportunities for all students.

About the Waterloo Schools Foundation: The Waterloo Schools Foundation is an independent, nonprofit organization founded to support, enhance, and promote excellent educational opportunities in the Waterloo Community School District. The Waterloo Schools Foundation accomplishes this mission through Innovative Learning (teacher grants), Young Scholars (student grants), District Initiatives, and other funding opportunities. To learn more, visit www.wcsfoundation.org.

WATERLOO SCHOOLS’ KYLE KUHLERS NAMED AS FINALIST FOR THE 2022 PROMETHEUS AWARDS

Waterloo, IA –  The Technology Association of Iowa released their list of this year’s Prometheus Awards finalists, including Waterloo Career Center Computer Science Teacher, Kyle Kuhlers, who is a finalist for Computer Science Teacher of the Year. There are five finalists in the category, who represent the best of the best in today’s computer science educators across the state of Iowa. 

“It is to no one’s surprise that Kyle has been named as a finalist for the Computer Science Educator of the Year award,” said Dr. Jared Smith, Waterloo Community School District Superintendent. “Kyle has been an amazing teacher and advocate for students and would be a very worthy choice for this award.” 

Kuhlers has been teaching with Waterloo Schools for the past four years at the Waterloo Career Center, and has nearly two decades of experience in education. He was awarded the Gold Star Award for Outstanding Teacher earlier this year by the McElroy Trust.  

“Teaching in Waterloo has changed my teaching and my perspective, kind of my whole thought process about education to be a lot more collaborative and a lot more business-engaged in the classroom,” Kuhlers said. “My students interact with the graphic design students and the marketing students on projects, so it’s not just computer science – they’re getting to see and work with other students through cross curricular opportunities.”

Amy Miehe, the Lead Administrator for the Waterloo Career Center says that Kuhlers is a dedicated teacher who puts in many hours to go above and beyond for his students, providing them with a competitive advantage in the technology industry. “He works hard to build and strengthen business partnerships to provide students with real-world, hands-on experiences,” said Miehe. “Kyle has a gift of building relationships and it is reflected in the many achievements of his students. We are so proud of him!”

According to Kuhlers, a large part of his role in education is encouraging students to try things, and make mistakes while they’re learning in a safe environment. “For students interested in tech, I would tell you to just do it,” said Kuhlers. “Too many times I hear, ‘I’m not smart enough,’ or ‘I don’t know if I can do it or not,’ just try it. You find your passion, you dig in, and then you’re never going to leave it. My biggest advice is to just do it. Jump in and see if you like it, and if you don’t like it, try something else.”

The Prometheus Award Ceremony will be held on November 3, 2022, at the Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center, at 833 5th Ave, Des Moines, Iowa 50309. The reception will commence at 5:00 PM with a cocktail hour, followed by the awards ceremony at 6:00 PM. 

About the Waterloo Career Center

The Waterloo Career Center is an opportunity for Waterloo, Iowa high school students and some surrounding schools, to explore 14 different career programs. Students experience a competitive advantage where passions meet professions. 

About Waterloo Community School District

The Waterloo Schools community commits to a comprehensive system of education and support to assure that each and every student will graduate prepared for college, career, and citizenship as evidenced by continuing education, pursuing a career path, and contributing to a community.

EAST HIGH CELEBRATES NEW FOOTBALL INDUCTEES AT 2022 RING OF HONOR CEREMONY

Waterloo, IA –  Thursday, September 15, 2022, at 6:30 PM East High School is hosting its 18th annual Ring of Honor event, celebrating six new inductees into the Trojan’s football alumni organization. 

The organization was founded in 2005 by former East High School Football Coach, Charlie Aldrich. While the first round of honorees were chosen in ‘05 by a group vote among the football staff, this heart-felt tradition now carries out an annual meeting each April among its current inductees, nominating and selecting the new honorees who will be inducted that fall. 

“The Ring of Honor is a great opportunity for us to bridge that generational gap; the common denominators of love for football, and love of playing football for East High,” commented Aldrich. “The whole purpose of this event is remembering, recognizing, and acknowledging the rich history, heritage, and tradition of East High Football.” 

“As a former athlete, it’s important to me that we recognize and honor the work of our players, remembering the continual impact they create,” added Joseph Parker, East High Principal  

This year’s honorees include Chuck Carpenter (‘92), Russel Jones (‘12), Marcus Mangum (‘88), Rudy Martin (‘67), Dickie Smith (‘67), Lloyd Tims (‘79), and memorial honoree Adam Van Syoc (‘94).

According to Tim Moses, East High Athletic Director, the school currently boasts a total of six State Football Championships, seven All-American Football Players, 100+ All-State Football Players, and three East High Alumni that played in the National Football League. 

East High School is thankful to be able to celebrate their athletes for years to come, and wants their students to know, “We never forget our players,” Aldrich remarked.

The East High Trojans continue their 2022 Football Season Friday evening against the North Des Moines Polar Bears at Grubb Stadium in Des Moines, Iowa.  

About Waterloo Schools

The Waterloo Schools community commits to a comprehensive system of education and support to assure that each and every student will graduate prepared for college, career, and citizenship as evidenced by continuing education, pursuing a career path, and contributing to a community. 

WEST HIGH SCHOOL’S SAHARA WILLIAMS SELECTED TO PLAY AT 2022 U18 3X3 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

CONTACT:

Anthony Pappas, West High School Women’s Basketball Coach

(319) 433-2700      [email protected]

Waterloo, IA –  Waterloo West High School’s Sahara Williams leaves for Chicago today, as she starts her nearly two week journey for the U18 3×3 World Championship in Debrecen, Hungary. Williams was selected by USA Basketball for the team on August 2, 2022, along with three other female players from across the United States to play in this year’s international tournament. She, along with Kamorea ‘KK’ Arnold, Sarah Strong, and Mikaylah Williams, will spend the next four days at a training camp in Chicago, Illinois, before making their way to the tournament in Hungary. 

“I’m really excited to play everywhere,” says Williams. “It will be a really good way to promote myself and my individual game.” 

Waterloo West High School’s Women’s Basketball Coach, Dr. Anthony Pappas, worked to coordinate Williams’ tryout for the team. 

“At tryouts I felt like I did pretty well, and I was pretty confident in myself,” says Williams. “When they extended the offer I was kind of baffled. All the girls they had to choose from were really great.” 

Pappas has coached Williams at West the past three years and looks forward to the skillset she’ll bring to her final season with the team.

“She’s worked hard,” said Pappas. “She’s going to have a great senior year.”

Williams has signed a letter of intent to play for the University of Oklahoma in the Fall of 2023.

“Everyone in Waterloo who has supported me so far, thank you, it takes a village,” Williams said. “If you have a goal, envision it. No one else can make that happen besides you!” 

The U18 3×3 World Championship, hosted by the International Basketball Federation (FIBA),  takes place Tuesday, August 23, 2022 until Sunday, August 28, 2022. The official schedule lists the US Women’s first game against Egypt on Wednesday, August 24, 2022 at 5:50 PM local time (10:50 AM CST) followed by their second game of the day against Mongolia at 7:55 PM local time (12:55 PM CST.) On Thursday, August 25, 2022 the team plays Kyrgyzstan at 10:25 AM local time (5:25 PM CST) followed by their second game of the day against Ukraine at 12:15 PM local time (7:15 PM CST) . The quarter-finals take place on Saturday, August 27, 2022, with the finals wrapping up the tournament on Sunday, August 28, 2022. The Waterloo School District will be sharing links to stream the games on their social media platforms. 

About Waterloo Schools

The Waterloo Schools community commits to a comprehensive system of education and support to assure that each and every student will graduate prepared for college, career, and citizenship as evidenced by continuing education, pursuing a career path, and contributing to a community.

About USA Basketball

Based in Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA Basketball is a nonprofit organization and the national governing body for basketball in the United States. As the recognized governing body for basketball in the United States by the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC), USA Basketball is responsible for the selection and training of USA Teams that compete in FIBA sponsored international basketball competitions, as well as for some national competitions, and for the development of youth basketball initiatives that address player development, coach education, and safety. 

About FIBA 

FIBA, the International Basketball Federation, is the world governing body for basketball.Founded by eight nations in 1932, we now bring together 212 National Basketball Federations from all over the world. A non-profit making organization, our mission is to develop and promote the game of basketball, uniting the wider basketball community, which counts more than 450 million players and fans. We organize and oversee international competitions including the FIBA Basketball World Cup, the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup and the Olympic Basketball Tournaments. We establish the Official Basketball Rules as well as the regulations that govern the relationships between the different members of the basketball community. FIBA is the only authority in basketball recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). FIBA’s headquarters, the House of Basketball, is situated in Mies, Switzerland on the shores of Lake Geneva. FIBA has five Regional Offices to provide direct services to the National Member Federations; Africa, Americas, Asia, Europe, Oceania. 

Sahara Williams runs, dribbling the basketball.

Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier Photo

 

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