About
Each year the foundation hosts returning KHS classes for their annual reunions. The alumni are treated to receptions put on by the foundation as well as tours of various schools throughout the district. The foundation office also helps class reunion organizers with mailings, producing directories and arranging accommodations or activities. Alumni relations has become a key function of the foundation over the years and the alumni appreciate it very much.
Soon after the foundation was reorganized in 2000, scholarship procurement and distribution were adopted as a major foundation role. The foundation created a very helpful directory of scholarships available to Kewanee High graduates at the school and local level. The directory also includes valuable tips on applying for scholarships and necessary forms. Since the foundation adopted this role, over $500,000 in scholarship principal has been raised with over 20 new scholarships becoming available to KHS graduates.
Mission
The mission of the Kewanee Schools Foundation is to strengthen the educational opportunities for students of the Kewanee School District and promote community engagement within the District.
The Foundation will achieve its mission by directing resources toward the following goals:
- Support innovative programs to strengthen and enrich student learning;
- Provide the tools necessary to prepare students for future success;
- Support additional training and resources for educators of the Kewanee School District;
- Inspire parents and community members to participate with the school system to enrich education;
- Build community support and positive attention to the Kewanee School District;
- Develop strategic corporate partnerships for the benefit of the Foundation and the Kewanee School District.
Vision
The Kewanee School District has developed a high-quality educational program that provides students with enrichment, acceleration, and attention to special needs. Attaining excellent educational programs and services requires modern facilities, enriching cultural experiences, cutting-edge technology, comprehensive resource materials, and, most importantly, outstanding teachers.
Meeting the current and future educational needs of all students so they may become productive citizens requires a substantial investment. Particularly given the current uncertainty of the economy and government support for education, most school districts have limited discretionary funds for services and activities that exceed minimum needs and requirements. These circumstances call for finding new resources to assist in building and enhancing excellence in our schools.
Objectives 2026-27:
- Enhance relationships with current and prospective donors to generate sustained financial support for the Foundation and the Kewanee School District;
- Promote the Legacy Society to raise awareness of planned giving options, encourage future contributions, and honor individuals who have included the Foundation in their estate plans;
- Host community and alumni events that build relationships (“friend-raising”) and expand opportunities for financial support from the community, alumni, and District employees;
- Increase financial resources to continue supporting Dual Credit/Dual Enrollment tuition assistance, along with current and new scholarships at Kewanee High School;
- Seek new grant opportunities and manage existing grant programs to provide additional training and resources for educators in the Kewanee School District;
- Continue effective use of biannual newsletters, along with electronic and social media platforms, to raise awareness of the Foundation, its mission, and its successes.
Wall of Honor
To recognize and honor the donors who have made a difference to the Kewanee School System, the Foundation established the Wall of Honor in 2001, which is displayed in the Petersen Auditorium Foyer at Kewanee High School. The Wall of Honor was renovated in 2020 and is updated annually.
The Wall of Honor recognizes inviduals and businesses at various levels of giving and includes the Legacy Society members who have named the Foundation in their estate plans. Donors may also choose to remain anonymous on the wall.
The Wall of Honor recognizes inviduals and businesses at various levels of giving and includes the Legacy Society members who have named the Foundation in their estate plans. Donors may also choose to remain anonymous on the wall.
