From the desk of our president, Francisco Chavez:
Welcome to the first edition of The Charger Advocate, the monthly newsletter of the Governor Morehead Foundation, supporting the students, faculty, and staff of the Governor Morehead School for the Blind. I feel inspired and motivated by the resilience of the GMS community during this challenging time. I look forward to working with the GMF Board, School, and community to enrich the lives of the GMS students. Our board members and committees are hard at work planning and connecting resources to serve our mission. On February 26th, I met with and presented to the Rotary Club of West Raleigh to talk about shared community service, GMS, GMF, and opportunities for collaboration. If you would like me or a member of our board to come speak to your group or organization, contact us via our website contact form.
Governor Morehead School News
Currently 40 students are enrolled at the Governor Morehead School (GMS) and all have been studying virtually due to COVID-19 considerations until recently. The first semester saw 98% of students participating on a regular basis, causing several Local Educational Agencies to call and ask how the school was maintaining such a high rate of student and faculty involvement! This percentage is especially impressive considering that some GMS students deal with additional physical challenges as well as being visually impaired. Teachers were mailing school work packets to students and several students received lunch delivery from the school five days a week to ensure they were nourished. Twenty-six students returned to campus for in-person classes on March 21! To celebrate their return, WRAL featured the school on a recent newscast.
Graduation!
On November 20, 2020 GMS celebrated and acknowledged the school’s 2020 graduates. The school had hoped to have the ceremony in person, but even though it had to be held remotely, all were thankful to enjoy such a wonderful graduation ceremony full of cheers and celebrations, and safe for all. The faculty and staff are grateful to all students, families, alumni, community partners, and faculty who participated and shared this special event with the GMS 2020 Seniors. Congratulations!
Faculty/Staff Member Spotlight
William Tubilleja is the GMS instructor in Orientation and Mobility. Orientation is the ability to recognize one’s position in relation to the environment, whereas mobility is the ability to move around safely and efficiently. O&M training teaches students to use their remaining vision and other senses to get around. White canes and optical aids may also be used. William’s teaching helps students maintain travel independence with new skills to compensate for reduced visual information.
Foundation Aid
The GMF authorized three expenditures in recent months. The COVID-19 pandemic caused several GMS families to encounter financial difficulties. To provide some relief, the GMF Board authorized $1,000 to be given as $100 gift cards to ten families. Additionally, with classes being held virtually and lesson packets being mailed to some students, the Foundation authorized up to $300 per month for postage costs, ensuring teachers didn’t have mailings as an out-of-pocket expense. Finally, as a donor had gifted GMS with a printer, the Foundation paid $600 for its shipment to campus.
Fundraising
The Foundation will again be participating in the North Carolina State Employees Combined Campaign in 2021. Last year we netted $747.00 through the campaign. This year we hope to increase that amount by getting the word out to all state employees that they can donate to our work supporting the students of GMS. Help us spread the word! In addition, several fundraising events are planned for later this year.
Look for information coming soon about a very special salute to the students, faculty, and staff of the GMS, planned for July!
Donating to the Governor Morehead Foundation
Make a donation today and help us continue our mission for the students at GMS. It’s easy to donate to the work of the Governor Morehead Foundation via PayPal, by mail, or by making the Foundation your desired charity on Amazon Smile. Learn more about donating to the Foundation from the donation page.