By Friendswood ISD Education Foundation
The Friendswood ISD Education Foundation (FEF) welcomed over 100 new employees to FISD at its annual New Employee Luncheon on Thursday, Aug. 3. The celebration was held at the Lone Star Flight Museum and showcased the theme “The Beginning of a New Chapter” with an outstanding group of educators joining the Mustang family.
Event Chairs and FEF Directors Alexis DiFruscio and Judy Wiggins said this is by far one of their favorite events of the year.
“It is such an honor to roll out the ‘red carpet’ and warmly welcome and celebrate those who selflessly pour into our students,” DiFruscio said. “I am so grateful for the opportunity to live and lead in a community that gives back to those who give so much day-to-day.”
FEF Executive Director Ashley Adair agreed.
“I loved seeing the community rally around our new employees to make each feel seen, heard and connected as they begin their ‘story’ in FISD,” Adair said.
Dozens of businesses and individuals stepped up to sponsor including longtime Title Sponsor Gulf Coast Educators Federal Credit Union.
The afternoon was packed with delicious food catered by Outback Steakhouse, vendor tables, goody bags full of treats donated by local businesses and a record-breaking number of door prizes.
“With more sponsors and donors than ever before, we were able to ensure all 108 new employees won an outstanding door prize package,” Adair said.
Guest speaker Colonel Terry Virts inspired new employees as they begin their journey in FISD.
“The greatest thing I have learned in becoming an astronaut is to never tell yourself ‘no.’ If there is something you want to do, go for it,” Virts said.
This sentiment echoes the Foundation’s challenge to teachers to dream big for kids by submitting grants.
Past FEF grant recipients were recognized at the luncheon and one lucky new teacher and mentor teacher walked away with a classroom grant to kickstart or refresh their classrooms this year.
Top event sponsors included Gulf Coast Educators Federal Credit Union, HCA Houston Healthcare Clear Lake, HomeTown Bank of Friendswood, Houston Methodist Clear Lake Hospital and Stanfield Properties – Alan & Beth Stanfield.
If you would like to learn more about opportunities to get involved with FEF, please visit fef.myfisd.com or contact Executive Director Ashley Adair at AAdair@fisdk12.net.
