More than 200 business, faith, and civic community partners were celebrated earlier this week for their support of public education in Chesterfield County. During a partnership recognition breakfast sponsored by the Virginia Credit Union, Chesterfield County Public Schools saluted those in attendance who have provided millions of dollars of financial support, in-kind donations and volunteer hours.
“We are fortunate to have a number of partners willing to invest in our efforts to create a better tomorrow,” School Board Chair Rob Thompson said. “Our partners are vital to helping us ignite passion in all of our students through authentic and captivating experiences.”
Three school division partners of the year were announced at the event:
The partnership recognition event also featured two keynote speakers: Chris Accashian, chief executive officer of Bon Secours St. Francis Medical Center, and CorRales Dupree, a Thomas Dale High graduate and founder of Protect My Brother. Accashian challenged the community to continue to support local schools, noting that students continue to experience adverse childhood experiences that impact future development. Dupree shared examples of how community support helped him overcome obstacles as he was growing up.
“Those workers who provide you the daily services you rely on – doctors, nurses, police officers, emergency first responders, CPAs, road engineers, military personnel and trash collectors – got their start in Chesterfield County Public Schools,” Superintendent Dr. Merv Daugherty reminded those in attendance. “While we have innovative and engaging teachers, caring and nurturing support staff and wonderful leaders, we are cognizant it takes a community to raise our children.”