Contact: Susan L. Esau, Executive Director, 330-1941 or sesau@usd497.org
Lawrence educators are practicing skits, songs, and choreography, on their own time, for the 19th Annual Foundation Follies. The variety show, hosted by the Lawrence Schools Foundation and the Lawrence Education Achievement Partners (LEAP), is a celebration of the Lawrence Public Schools teachers and school staff and raises money for the Foundation’s Teacher Innovation Grant Program. The evening of entertainment and fiesta-themed food begins with a social hour at 7 p.m. and curtain at 8 p.m.
Directed by Carolyn Welch, Southwest Junior High vocal music teacher, and Patrick Kelly, District Director of Fine Arts, the show features vocalists, musicians, dancers and comedic skits often spoofing hot topics in public education. Guests will hear from the “Dreamgirls,” enjoy a “Workroom Tango,” and hear renditions of “At Last,” “Sing, Sing, Sing for the Saints” and “Forever Young,” just to name a few. Superintendent of Schools Randy Weseman will take the stage, as he has done for the past 18 years, to perform his retirement finale.
During intermission, the Foundation will present two $1,000 cash awards to its Elementary and Secondary Educators of the Year. An outstanding LEAP business partner and LEAP volunteer will also be recognized for their contributions and dedication to students and teachers this school year.
Reservations for balcony seating are $35 per person or $25 for school district staff. Individual seats on the lower level can be reserved for $50 each. Payment may be sent to the Lawrence Schools Foundation at 110 McDonald Drive, Lawrence, KS 66044 and walk-ins are welcome. Those interested in sponsoring a $500 table should call Susan Esau, Executive Director, at 330-1941 for availability.
This 2009 event’s major sponsors are: CIGNA Healthcare, Lawrence Journal World, Treanor Architects, and US Bank. The Foundation raised approximately nearly $30,000 at last year’s event, and hopes to “sell out” and raise as much, or more, this year.
The Lawrence Schools Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that raises money to enrich the education of the students in the Lawrence Public Schools. The Lawrence Education Achievement Partners (LEAP) is a district program that creates and fosters community partnerships that support and enrich student achievement in the Lawrence Public Schools.
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