Mission Statement:  The mission of the Foundation for Excellence, Inc. is to provide motivation through recognition and reward and financial support through fund raising to enhance the quality of education for the students and educational providers of Escambia County's public school system.

Executive Committee:

Chairman of the Board - Steven Barry, Certified Financial Planner
Vice Chairman - Toni Kirkpatrick, Administrator, Ascend Performance Materials, Inc.

Treasurer - Bob Maloy, Vice President, Whitney National Bank

Board of Directors:

Laverne Bakerk, The Visioneering Group

Albert Bender, U.S. Navy, Retired

Kathy Breakall, President, Escambia Education Association
Audra Carter, AC  Advertising Promotions

Jill Hubbs, Director, Education Services & Outreach, WSRE Public TV

Kathie Lasky, President, Excambia County Council PTA/PTSA 

Michelle Lewing, Vice President, Medical Energy, Inc.

David Lister, CPA, Senior Manager & Partner, Saltmarsh, Cleaveland & Gund, CPAs

Mark McBride, Construction Supervisor, Gulf Power company
Bob Moulton, Moulton Properties
Karen Pope, CPA, WSRE Public Television

John T. Porter, Vice President, Baptist Health Care  

Denise Rosenbloum, Louis K. Rosenbloum, P.A.

Mit Roth, U.S. Navy, Retired     

Gary Sammons, District Manager, Gulf Power Company
Mary Smith, Retired

Ed Stanford, Retired School Board Member
Rob Weber, U.S. Navy, Retired

Highlights of Foundation Programs:

Classroom Grants - The Foundation provides teachers with grants that enable them to enhance their curriculum by using innnovative and creative projects.

Golden Apple Awards - "An apple for the teacher," a Golden Apple, that is.  The Golden Apple Awards Dinner is held annually to recognize the teachers of the year from every public school and to announce the Escambia County Teacher of the Year.

Recognition of Students - MIRA and Academic Awards are held in the spring to recognize high school seniors' creative and academic achievements.  The Foundation and the Kerrigan Law Firm invite selected students and their families to attend the dinners.

We Believe in Children 5K Run - Each year the Foundation along with the Pensacola Runners Association sponsors a 5K Run/Walk.  The Run, which raises funds for grants and promotes fitness among students, is open to children, their parents and the community.  The school with the highest number participating in the run receives a special award, in addition to the usual running awards.

License for Learning - Help steer Escambia's students in the right direction when you purchase or renew your automobile tag.  Buy an education tag and you automatically are contributing to the future of the students in our community.  The entire $20 from the purchase of the License for Learning is returned to the Foundation to be used to enhance the education of students in our community, and it is tax deductible.

Take Stock in Children - This program provides a college scholarship to low-income students.  These students are selected in the 6th grade and they sign a contract that states they will maintain good grades, have good attendance and stay away from drugs, alcohol, and crime.  They are provided with a mentor who will meet with them once a week at their school until they graduate from high school.  Funding for this program is provided by the state legislature, Florida Prepaid College Foundation, private donors and the Escambia County Schools Foundation.