It Really Does Take A Village

Have you ever wondered if your financial gift to the Sparta Education Foundation (SEF) makes a difference beyond the students of Sparta Area Schools? It does!

The SEF's mission is to help provide creative and innovative educational opportunities for Sparta students which are beyond the normal operating budget of the school district. We are only able to do this through generous donations from businesses and members of our community. But how much do those gifts really matter?

Sparta has a vibrant downtown with programs and festivals and traditions. We have great restaurants, shopping, and a forward-thinking local government. We have community theater, concerts, a busy dance studio, and a fantastic library. We have locally owned businesses that provide everything from snow tires to birthday cakes to professional photography. And, of course, we have our apple and agricultural industry.

What do all these businesses have in common? Sparta graduates. Everywhere I look I see former Sparta students who are shaping the world, boosting our economy, and building our identity as a Great Place to Grow.

More than a dozen current teachers for Sparta Area Schools are returning graduates of Sparta High School. These teachers, along with their colleagues and support staff, are influencing the future of Sparta every day. When SEF partners with teachers, we impact our current students, but there is more to it than that. We live in a global society. Does Sparta have any influence outside of our little corner of Michigan? The answer is a resounding yes!

Sparta grads are leaving their mark on the world, taking the lessons and values they learned here in their hometown and making the world a better place for all of us. The Shedd Aquarium, Cleveland Clinic, Disney, Trevor Project, and NBC all employ former Sparta students. Our graduates are giving TED talks, serving in the military and national government, training NBA players, broadcasting on national television, working on conservation and climate solutions, creating art, entertaining others, and saving lives.

So what does all of this have to do with SEF? Grants. I may not be able to draw a direct link between a specific grant and a former student, but I believe there is a connection to be made. Grants have provided for the public display of artwork and transportation for field trips, partnered with the DNR, purchased native plants, broadcast and photography equipment, musical instruments and theatrical devices, sports and health equipment, and enabled mental health support with assemblies and support animals like Toast. 

I don't remember the first time I heard the phrase. “It takes a village to raise a child,” but I believe it is true. And when those children are grown, they influence the village by giving back. Every single position and business mentioned in this article is connected to a real life, Sparta grad. It could be you or someone you know.

Making a financial gift to SEF truly IS an investment in the future of our students and our community. Right now is the perfect time to give. With your help, we will continue to provide classroom grants to Sparta Area Schools for decades to come. I truly believe that when we invest in our students today, they will enrich us all tomorrow. I hope you will join me.

LeAnn Kitson
Sparta Education Foundation President

Donating on our website is easy with bank ACH or a credit card
(earn points or cash back with your credit card provider; SEF does not maintain any credit card information for your safety). You can donate one-time or set up a recurring monthly donation which helps us plan and forecast for future grants. The SEF is so grateful for your generosity and sincerely thanks everyone for their donations. Please join our community of donors and make a tremendous impact on Sparta Area Schools.

If you have any questions, reach out to us at sef@spartaschools.org.

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