Golden Eagle Education Foundation

January is National Mentoring Month and Fountain Hills is lucky to have an award-winning mentoring program for K-12 students in the Fountain Hills Unified School District.

 

The Golden Eagle Education Foundation took on the mentoring program in 2000 after four years under the leadership of community developer MCO Properties. The program serves students who need help with schoolwork, those who need to be challenged beyond the classroom, and students who have issues at home and need a trusted outside cheerleader and mentor.

 

The school principals and counselors work together to match students with mentors. Many mentors are former teachers, coaches, nurses, and therapists, but there are also individuals in the community who volunteer as mentors. Many establish bonds that continue throughout their school years.

 

COVID-19 has halted most program efforts this year, but mentors are ready to go once they are given the green light again. At the close of the last school year, there were 88 mentors matched with 125 students. The goal is to mentor every student in FHUSD.

 

To volunteer with the mentoring program, contact Isa Crespo at [email protected].

 

Another hallmark of the Golden Eagle Education Foundation began in 1994 when it distributed its first scholarships to Fountain Hills graduates. That first year, Jerry and Jacki Miles contributed three $1,000 scholarships, and our own Mike Nabers of RE/MAX Sun Properties contributed two $500 scholarships. RE/MAX has given a scholarship every year since then.

 

Scholarships are offered by local businesses, organizations and clubs, and individuals. Students fill out a single application and indicated which of the scholarship they qualify for and submit it in March. The high school hosts a Senior Recognition night in May when the winners are announced.

 

If you know a Fountain Hills high school student (homeschoolers included), direct them to apply fhgeef.org. The 2021 scholarship season begins the first week of February. Applications are due to the FHHS Counselor’s Office by March 26 at Noon. The Senior Recognition is scheduled for May 5.

 

If you are interested in offering a scholarship through the Golden Eagle Education Foundation, contact Marcia Hoenle at 480-664-2727.