How does Niwot work? - Part 10

Eli Buzas brought the idea of forming an education foundation to Niwot High School from Florida when he moved to Colorado in 1991. Buzas, who died earlier this year of COVID-19 complications, envisioned a foundation that did more than provide scholarships to students. Other school foundations in the school district raised money for scholarships, but Buzas had in mind a foundation that could fund current projects as well as develop a long-range funding program.

Through his leadership while working with NHS principal Dr. Mary White, the Niwot High School Education Foundation was incorporated on July 5, 1994. Initial board members were Buzas, White, Cotton Burden, Jim Martinsen, Dr. Jan Sible, Biff Warren, Jean Youngman, and student representative Zeb Baker.

By 1996, the board had increased to 11 members, and included teacher representative David Williamson and student representative Nick Davies, with Cherie Fassbinder, Selene (Hall) Luna, Michael Kouremetis, Sue Prahl, and Scott Tennant joining Burden, Buzas, Warren and White.

Two years later, Dennis Daly, who would soon take over as principal, had been added to the board. Other new board members included Janet Freytag, Linda Kalbfleisch, and Sandi Searls, joining holdovers Burden, Buzas, (Hall) Luna, Prahl, Warren and White.

During its formative years, the foundation developed an endowment fund, which continues to this day, with income providing funds for such items as field trips, teacher training, educational materials not funded by the district, student recognition, as well as scholarships. The Burden family recently made a significant donation to the foundation in honor of Buzas and his work for the school.

"The main goal of the NHSEF is to provide funds for our teachers and staff for programs that enhance and enrich student learning," President Mako Shimoda said in an email. "The goal is to ensure that every student is touched by the funds provided by the NHSEF."

Teachers at Niwot are made aware of the foundation's resources, and are encouraged to apply for funding for projects they deem worthwhile. Mini grants of up to $600 are available with major grants funded up to $2,500. Funds are raised from direct donations to the organization, which are tax deductible.

"Although during this 2020-2021 school year, our grant requests have been down due to the pandemic and online/hybrid learning, we were still able to fund grant requests for

speech and debate tournament fees, Colorado Youth Diversity Conference, Brain Pop online education program for our special education department, color guard instructors for our NHS marching band, [and] outdoor student learning/seating area," Shimoda said. "The NHSEF also purchased 10 industrial picnic tables to provide more outdoor seating options for our students during the school day."

For many years, the foundation conducted an annual gala, where patrons of Niwot High School attended an evening of dinner and dancing, with performances by the school's musical departments. A silent auction, followed by a live auction of higher end items such as vacations and artwork, conducted by auctioneer Scott Forke, raised significant funds for the foundation.

More recently, the foundation has continued with an online auction, generating needed funds even during the pandemic. The latest auction, completed in April, raised over $17,000. Locally owned business donors included 1914 House, Raza Fresa, Lefty's Pizzeria, Abo's, Pinocchio's, Subway, The Wheel House, Niwot Wheel Works, Chico's Grooming, Lucy Tuck Photography, Hidden Yoga, Fan's Chinese Restaurant, Garden Gate, Juniper & Twine, Fly Away Home, Niwot Liquor, Niwot Jewelry & Gifts, Blessings Day Spa, Boulder Country Club, Left Hand Animal Hospital, Osmosis Art Gallery, Warren, Carlson & Moore Attorneys, Inkberry Books, Pebble Art Jewelry, Deborah Read Fowler Real Estate, Nourish & Company, Haystack Mountain Golf, Lake Valley Golf, Niwot Massage, Niwot Market and Admissions Logic College Consulting.

The website states, "We are a 100% volunteer foundation with the sole purpose of augmenting the school's annual budget to enrich the educational experience at Niwot High School."

Current projects of the foundation include a Student Wellness Initiative, involving two major projects. Partnering with the Niwot High School Boosters, the NHSEF is raising funds for an Athletic Performance Center, which includes modernizing the weight room and training facilities. In addition, the NHSEF is working with the NHS Environmental Club on transforming an outdoor space near the main entrance to the school, with work expected to start this summer. The NHSEF website states, "The west side of the building will be transformed into an oasis. Shade areas, lunch and casual eating spaces will define the space. Access to fresh air and a change of scenery will help students to clear their minds while socializing with their peers before and after school and during lunch hours."

Shimoda said, "In the past, the NHSEF offered one $1,000 scholarship to a NHS graduating senior, which focused on community and school service and academic performance. We now are able to offer four scholarships." They include

Founding Directors Scholarship ($1,000) - community/school service and academic performance; Pursuit for Education Scholarship ($1,000) - demonstrating financial need; Trade/Vocational Scholarship ($,1000) - attending a trade/vocational program, apprenticeship/journey program, or associate's degree program; and Alumni Scholarship ($500) - funded by NHS Alumni.

"Every year, the NHS Student Council votes on the department most representative of the quality of teaching expected at Niwot High School, and this award is known as the Eli Buzas Excellence in Teaching Award in recognition of Eli Buzas founding and sustaining the NHSEF," Shimoda said. "This year the departmental award went to the Practical Arts department ($1700)."

Current officers include Mako Shimoda (President), Jennifer Asbury (Vice-President), Minnie Piffarerio (Secretary) and Melissa Carlston (Treasurer). Board members, who meet to consider funding requests, include the officers as well as directors Eric Rauschkolb ( NHS Principal), William Pankonin (NHS English teacher). David Keyek (NHS counselor), Juan Avila, Christine Ruth, Lori Prok, Sara Amodio, Michelle Drury, Barb Stager, Madeline Borncamp (NHS Senior, Student Council member), and Maddi Stapp (NHS Junior, Student Council member).