The Future Ready Collier network of partners was recognized recently as an Unsung Hero of Community Resilience for the local efforts post-Irma to ensure that children and families stayed on track with their educational goals in the aftermath of the hurricane. Lisa Church, Vice President Champions For Learning accepted the award on behalf of the partners at the recent FCAN Summit.
The Florida Unsung Heroes of Resilience Awards honors leaders throughout the state who helped students navigate an uncommonly tumultuous year.
During the 2017-18 school year, Florida students not only had to cope with damages to their homes and neighborhoods because of Hurricane Irma, but also had thousands of displaced students from Puerto Rico and other parts of the Caribbean being integrated into their schools mid-year. Additionally, the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shattered the sense of safety for students in Parkland and beyond.
“This award is in recognition of Florida community members who went above and beyond the call to support students impacted by extraordinary events that challenged our state over the past school year,” said Kathy McDonald, FCAN’s Assistant Director for Network Partnerships.
Future Ready Collier (futurereadycollier.org) is a network of local partners working to ensure every child is ready for Kindergarten, and every young person is career ready by graduating high school on track to obtain a degree or credential. Champions For Learning, the Education Foundation of Collier County, is the backbone organization facilitating this collaborative effort.