The East Penn School District Education Foundation’s third annual Innovator Gala was held recently at the Lehigh Country Club, bringing together business and community leaders, educators and supporters of STEAM Powered Education.

The foundation was formed in 2016 “to enrich, extend and deepen the educational experiences of East Penn School District students with an emphasis on science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics.

The foundation achieves its mission by financially supporting teacher grants, new programs and educational resources that develop critical thinking, creativity, innovation and problem-solving skills in critical areas.”

The EPSD Education Foundation has a board of directors comprised of parents, community members, teachers, administrators and local business professionals.

Grants provided by the foundation total more than $43,000.

Recipients of innovator grants for the 2018-2019 school year included $3,000 to various Emmaus High School teachers for a “GSI Vertical Farm Wall,” $2,000 to Ed Anthony for “Robotics with Dobotics” at EHS, $1,000 to Chris Stutchko for “The 9th Grade Experience” at EHS, $1,000 to Laura Leiby for “Physics Lab” at EHS, $1,000 to Kimberly Adams for “The Engineering Brain” at EHS, $1,000 to Katie Pfenninger for “Social Assistance Through Art” at EHS, $1,000 to Frank Meyers for “3-D Printing in 2nd Grade” at Willow Lane Elementary School, $1,000 to Patrice Arnold for “STEAM Grant” at Shoemaker Elementary School, $1,000 to Anne Kukitz and Nicole Gillen for “Signature Inspirations” at Eyer Middle School, $500 to Gail Cannon for “OSMO” at Alburtis Elementary School, $500 to Francine Confer for “Problem Solving Through Play” at Alburtis Elementary School, $500 to Kendy Schiffert for “Tinker Boxes for a Soft Landing” at Wescosville Elementary School, $500 to Caitlin Shutte for “OZOBot Mazes” at Macungie Elementary School and $500 to Tracy Urban for “Building More Than Stories” at Eyer Middle School.

Two educators were present at the gala including technology education teacher Steve Toth displaying go-karts made by students and Pfenninger with some of her art students.

Toth received special program funding through the foundation from private sources.

A silent auction was held showcasing one of a kind student designed jewelry pieces made possible by the 2018 Innovator grant. Student artists chose to donate all auction proceeds back to the foundation.

Toth attended the gala to talk about the after school club at Lower Macungie Middle School where students built seven go-karts. The students did all the work under the guidance of Toth including researching and designing the plans, soliciting donations, cutting and welding metal and painting the karts. A Grand Prix was planned at the school with special guests.

East Penn School District Education Foundation President Salvatore Verrastro was pleased with the turnout at the gala and said he was appreciative of all the sponsors and contributors who make these grants available to the teachers for the benefit of the students in the district.