Thanks to a $30,000 grant from the Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation, students at J.V. Washam Elementary have received 100 percent of the funding needed for their Hawk’s Nest retreat. The comprehensive outdoor classroom area will consist of an amphitheater, walking track, playground additions and two technology carts with iPads for student use. The total fundraising goal for the project was $100,000. In addition to support from Lowe’s, the school received a $45,000 Jimmie Johnson Foundation grant, parent contributions and donations made by business in both Huntersville and Cornelius.
Washam Principal Raymond Giovanelli is excited to see the plan come to fruition. He believes that the multi-faceted function of the space helped garner financial support.
“We are extremely appreciative of the support we’ve received from Lowe’s, The Jimmy Johnson Foundation and the local business community. By incorporating healthy-living pieces with technology, we are preparing our students to become 21st Century learners.”
The Lowe’s grant for the Hawk’s Nest came from an earmarked annual contribution of $300,000 for Lake Norman-area community improvement and public school projects.
Marshall Croom, chairman of Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation, said, “By supporting J.V. Washam Elementary School, we believe we are contributing to a cause that’s important to our customers and employees and helping build a stronger foundation for the children who will be tomorrow’s employees, homeowners and community leaders.”
Giovanelli is working with planners to have the playground additions, walking trail and technology carts ready for students this fall, with the amphitheater to soon follow.
