Perhaps nobody is better to explain the benefits of a La Porte Education Foundation grant than Kathleen Restrepo as she has been the recipient of an LPEF grant every year since 1999. Currently completing her 14th year at DeWalt High School, this teacher of art, U.S. history, government and economics applied for her first LPEF grant the year DeWalt moved into its new building.
"The move to the new building was like a new beginning for us and I decided to try and do something I had not done before," explained Restrepo. "Because I thought that two heads were better than one, I asked my fellow history teacher Brad Paschal to write a grant with me and our grant was selected. Because of this first success, I was encouraged to try again the next year. I am happy to say I have been fortunate to receive a grant each year since 1999."
From her first grant that provided funds to study and construct a medieval castle to her recent "Fusion Flair" grant request, Restrepo has been able to used her funded projects for many school years. "The 'Fusion Flair' enabled me to purchase additional accessories for the glass kilns LPEF had previously provided the funds for," Restrepo said. "This new grant will allow us to create glass bracelets and make other types of jewelry in our glass kilns.
"I have been able to enrich my classes with the materials and equipment the Foundation has provided for my students" continued Restrepo. "I would definitely encourage other teachers to apply for grants as the process is user friendly and if their grant is selected , the rewards for students are great."
