From the desk of our Board President, Francisco Chavez:
The first quarter of 2022 has brought new funding projects, new collaborations, and exciting new changes to the Governor Morehead School and the Governor Morehead Foundation. The foundation is working on a VERY BIG capital project at the school that we hope to be able to announce soon.
And once again, even though COVID disrupted school plans for the senior trip and summer camp, we approved funding to bridge the gap and ensure that the students of GMS have special memories to take away from 2022. The foundation sponsored a very special graduation gift for each of this year’s graduating seniors in lieu of the senior trip, as well as funding for additional summer programming for all students.
Individual board members participated in a GMS student fundraiser to aid Ukrainian students who are being sheltered at a school for the blind in Poland. Students made bracelets that they sold on May 19 at GMS and on May 20 at Yellow Dog Bakery. Additionally, the bakery sold cake slices specially decorated with icing in the colors of the Ukrainian flag as part of the day’s fundraiser. Our students’ altruistic efforts to help others in need fill us with pride and joy.
The foundation is continuing to support efforts by both GMS and Design students from NCSU to create a new accessible playground at GMS, but there’s much more to be done on the multi-phase project!
Finally, as graduation approaches, we look forward to celebrating students’ accomplishments and bright futures ahead. We hope you will continue to engage with us and the amazing students of the Governor Morehead School!
FOUNDATION AID
The Foundation sponsored five students and several teachers to attend the Model United Nations Conference at Chapel Hill the weekend of February 24-27. The Model UN is a student-run global policy summit and simulation in which elite students from several states come to compete. Delegates gain insight into the workings of the United Nations and the dynamics of international relations by assuming the roles of world leaders and international decision-makers. Through taking on the roles of United Nations representatives, members of other international bodies, and policymakers in national cabinets, students learn about the inner workings of global politics and problem-solving. Additionally, our students in particular learn important soft skills like navigating a large university campus, socializing with fellow students from all over, and taking responsibility for their own schedules and activities.
In the six years that GMS has conferenced a team, they have seen steady progress. However, this year’s team broke through and officially made the school a legitimate competitor, participating at levels not seen in years past. The future of the returning group looks bright, as the school will have their most experienced team to date next year. Here are the students and the nations that they represented in their General Assemblies:
UNESCO (Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) Assembly: Brian Cruz and Luis Delacruz, delegates for India
ECOSOC (Economic and Social Council) Assembly:
Angel Alvarez, delegate for Congo
Prime Yang and Jabien Corpening, delegates for Afghanistan
These students represented themselves, their families, and the school well in every facet of the trip, and we are so proud of them!
FACULTY/STAFF MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
Ms. Grace Minter is Governor Morehead School’s braille teacher and the author of the website theblindbibliophile.
As a teacher who is legally blind and hard of hearing, Ms. Minter has been where our students are, overcoming many personal challenges. She considers herself a life-long learner, and hopes her students will see her and think, “If she can do it with her disabilities, I can too.” She hopes that students will realize that their disabilities do not define them, nor do they have to hold them back. She works to help them see that they are capable, valuable people, and that there is nothing to stop them from achieving their dreams.
Ms. Minter says, “Learning to read opens up a world of opportunities while stories let us discover who we are as people. I strive to inspire children with a genuine love of reading by showing them the richness of its worth for their lives, and the sheer fun of it too!” She couldn’t be more thankful for “the opportunity to promote literacy while serving the most amazing, inspiring, wonderful students in the world.” And the Governor Morehead School is all the better for having her as a teacher as well!
SCHOOL NEWS
The GMS Community Garden project has been awarded another grant! The campus garden received a GroMoreGood Grassroots Grant, sponsored by the Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation and KidsGardening. The Grassroots Grants are part of Scotts Miracle-Gro’s larger GroMoreGood initiative, which aims to bring the life-enhancing benefits of gardens and greenspaces to 10 million children by 2023.
We are pleased to congratulate Brian Cruz on receiving the Casper Holroyd Scholarship from the Raleigh Host Lions Club earlier this month. Brian was invited by the Lions Club to accept a check and provide remarks. He plans to further his education at Wake Tech Community College, pursuing a degree in Information Technology. Congratulations, Brian!
FUNDRAISING
GMF continues to sell greeting cards featuring art created by students under the guidance of GMS Art Teacher, Lisa Medina. Cards are available from any member of the GMF board. Contributions to GMF continue to be made through the N.C. State Employees Combined Campaign and by indicating GMF through Amazon Smile. And, as always, you may donate through our website.