by Friendswood ISD Communication Department
The Friendswood ISD Education Foundation (FEF) celebrated an exciting day of giving at Friendswood High School during its Legacy Grant SurPrize Patrol on Friday, December 6. Two transformative grants, totaling $88,324.91, were awarded to support innovative projects to enhance learning and strengthen student opportunities.
The first grant, funded by The Legends of Friendswood Golf Tournament – In Memory of Harold Doiron, provided $22,844.60 for the engineering program’s state-of-the-art Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Router. Marilyn Doiron and Susan Doiron represented the grant received by engineering teachers Jim Foreman, Melissa Sauceda, and Evan Williams. This equipment will elevate the engineering curriculum by enabling students to develop advanced design and manufacturing skills.
The second grant, Cultivating Community Through Paws & Petals, was awarded to the FFA program, with $25,000 funded by Texas Mutual Insurance Company and $40,480.31 funded by FEF. Representing Texas Mutual were Christopher Dowling, Vice President of Regional Operations in Houston, and Kristi Koncaba, Board Member. FFA teachers Bailey Beken, Trevor Reifel, and Rachel Sawyer received the grant, supporting a unique initiative combining agriculture and community engagement through horticulture and animal care.
Victoria Merkys, FEF Board Member, reflected on the day’s excitement.
“The best part of the Legacy Grant SurPrize Patrol was seeing the teachers’ reactions, as well as seeing how excited the donors were,” Merkys said. “It’s truly inspiring to witness the impact these grants will have on our schools and community.”
Legacy Grants, which exceed the size and scope of FEF’s traditional Adopt-A-Grant program, are funded through FEF’s Endowment Fund. This fund is made possible by generous contributions from Century Club members and other donors committed to enriching education in Friendswood ISD.
Visit https://fef.myfisd.com/ways-to-give/century-club or contact the Foundation at EducationFoundation@fisdk12.net to learn more.