News

PRESS RELEASE

(February 01, 2021 – Naples, FL) Champions For Learning is proud to announce their 2020-2021 Celebration of Champions honorees.

The honorees are being recognized at the Celebration of Champions virtual experience on Friday, February 26, 2021 at 6:00pm. These individuals will be honored for their impact on the lives of students through mentoring, leadership, collaboration and community involvement with educators or students. The honored Champions exemplify what it means to make a commitment to our students and their futures.

The 2020-2021 Celebration of Champions honorees are: Frank Daveler, Lynn Davidson, Beverly Feagin, Kiara Gonzalez-Duran, Yadira Vintimilla, as well as this year’s Heart of the Apple recipient, Nany Potter. To learn more about the 2020-2021 Champions, please visit: championsforlearning.org/featured-champions/meet-the-champions.

“We look forward to sharing the stories of this year’s Champions and the impact they have made in our community,” says Susan McManus, President of Champions For Learning. ”The Celebration of Champions honorees truly exemplify how our community comes together to make a difference in the lives of students and their families.”

Proceeds will ensure Champions For Learning student programs will continue to help change lives for generations to come through College & Career Readiness programs and scholarships.

We would like to thank our generous sponsors:
Presenting sponsor: Florida Gulf Coast University

Major sponsors: Karen & William Lutz, Naples Daily News, Naples Illustrated, Stock Development and Suncoast Credit Union.

Individuals may register to watch the virtual experience and participate in the online auction at no cost. To register, simply go to championsforlearning.org/celebration-of-champions. Virtual watch party sponsorships are also available. For more information, please contact Jason Kurek at 239-643-4755 or JKurek@ChampionsForLearning.org.

About Champions For Learning™
Champions For Learning™, the education foundation in Collier County, is an independent, community-based, non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization that strives to create life-changing learning experiences for every student. With a vision of a community that is 100% engaged in support of student success, Champions For Learning serves a unique role in bringing the community together to support a culture of learning and innovation. The organization has been awarded the highest four-star rating for sound fiscal management and commitment to accountability and transparency by Charity Navigator and achieved the highest distinction as an exemplary Local Education Foundation. Become a Champion for Learning and visit ChampionsForLearning.org.

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Champions For Learning is celebrating 30 years of creating life-changing learning experiences for every student. Our community recognition has begun with a proclamation by the City of Naples recognizing September 24th as Champions For Learning Day in collaboration with schools across Collier County.

Champions For Learning’s (The Education Foundation of Collier County) strong financial standing and commitment to accountability and transparency has led the organization to earn a four star rating by Charity Navigator, the leading charity evaluator in America, as it celebrates its 30th year as an organization.

Champions For Learning is proud to announce their 2019-2020 Board of Directors as we celebrate 30 years. This group of professionals and community leaders are dedicated to creating a community that is 100% engaged in support of student success along with preparing for the next 30 years.

The 12th grade students who have accomplished their goals in Champions For Learning programs were celebrated in a Countdown to Cap and Gown Celebration, presented by BMO Harris Bank, on April 11th at the Naples Beach Hotel and Golf Club.

More than 450 people—board members, school staff, donors, volunteers, mentors, parents, and alumni joined to celebrate the 95 seniors representing 11 high schools participating in the Take Stock in Children and College and Career Preparation programs of Champions For Learning.

To-date, the senior class (95 students), has accomplished the following

• 220 college acceptances
• 9600+ community service hours
• And, to date, earned 104 scholarships totaling just over $3.4 million dollars

The Champions For Learning Class of 2019 was named in honor of Claudine Leger-Wetzel for her leadership and commitment to the mission of Champions For Learning which has spanned almost 14 years and represents her personal dedication and passion for education, along with the her professional role with Stock Development sharing their commitment to education.

The student program support is generously provided by many donors and in particular, thank you for the incredible generosity from the Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation, Take Stock In Children Foundation, Florida Prepaid Foundation, Naples Children and Education Foundation, Suncoast Credit Union, and the School District Education Foundation Matching Grant Program through the State of Florida and Consortium of Florida Education Foundations.

In addition to BMO Harris Bank as presenting sponsor, these sponsors also helped to make the evening celebration possible:  AT&T, Gulfshore Insurance, Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club, and Naples Daily News.

If you would like to make a financial contribution to help Champions For Learning earn matching scholarship dollars for next year’s class, or you would like to get involved as a mentor, please contact Champions For Learning at 643-4755.