(Atlantic) For more than 40 years, the Atlantic Community School Foundation has helped create opportunities for students and educators that extend beyond what traditional school funding can provide.
Founded in 1984, the Foundation has invested in classrooms, programs and students throughout the Atlantic Community School District. Over that time, the Foundation has provided more than $1,722,000 in support for educational programs and classroom initiatives and funded over 480 projects, helping educators bring new ideas, equipment, experiences and opportunities directly to Atlantic students.
The Foundation has also played a significant role in helping Atlantic graduates pursue their next chapter, awarding more than $1,582,000 in scholarships since its inception.
While the numbers tell part of the story, Foundation President David Wiederstein said the organization’s greatest impact can be seen in the opportunities those investments have created.
“For more than 40 years, the Foundation has been fortunate to have people who believe deeply in Atlantic’s students and schools,” Wiederstein said. “What makes this organization special is that generations of community members have given their time, resources and support with the same goal in mind: creating opportunities for our students. When you look at what has been invested in classrooms, programs and scholarships over the years, you begin to understand just how many lives that commitment has touched.”
Foundation support can be seen throughout the district, from classroom resources and equipment to experiences that allow teachers to expand what is possible for their students.
Atlantic Community School District Superintendent Dr. Beth Johnsen emphasized the importance of the Foundation’s ongoing partnership with the district.
“The Foundation’s generosity helps expand opportunities for Atlantic students and supports the work of our educators,” said Dr. Johnsen. “We are grateful for this partnership and the message it sends to our students, which is that their community believes in them and their future.”
One example of that impact can be found in Atlantic High School’s Agriculture and Industrial Technology programs, where Foundation funding has helped provide equipment, technology and hands-on learning opportunities.
Industrial technology instructor Eric Miller has also seen firsthand how Foundation support can help educators grow programs and provide students with hands-on learning opportunities.
“The Atlantic Community School Foundation has been an incredible asset to the Agriculture and Industrial Technology programs at Atlantic High School,” said Eric Miller. “From tools and technology to classroom resources, the Foundation has consistently supported the needs of our programs. One of the most significant examples is our greenhouse, a project constructed by students in our Building Trades class and made possible largely through more than $120,000 in Foundation support.”
The Foundation’s impact extends beyond the classroom through scholarships awarded each year to Atlantic High School graduates.
Since 1984, the Foundation has awarded hundreds of scholarships totaling over $1,582,000, helping generations of Atlantic graduates continue their education and pursue their career goals.
Former Atlantic High School counselor Gina Honke, who worked closely with the Foundation to administer its scholarship program, reflected on both the organization’s commitment to students and the dedication of its longtime board members.
“It was always a pleasure to work with the Foundation, particularly Steve Tjepkes and Sue Hunt, who were incredibly supportive and accommodating throughout the scholarship process,” Honke said. “The Foundation has generously supported Atlantic High School graduates for many years, and these four retiring board members played an integral role in that success. I am grateful for the trust the Foundation placed in me to oversee its scholarship program and help create opportunities for our students.
As the Foundation reflects on more than four decades of impact, it is also recognizing four longtime board members who have concluded their service within the past year.
Sue Hunt served 30 years, Kevin Garrett served 28 years, Steve Tjepkes served 25 years and Stacey Bean served 20 years on the Atlantic Community School Foundation Board of Directors. Together, the four represent an extraordinary 103 years of volunteer service to Atlantic students and schools.
The four were recently recognized with crystal awards honoring their years of service to the Foundation.
“Over one hundred years of combined service is remarkable,” Wiederstein said. “Sue, Kevin, Steve and Stacey have each played an important role in stewarding this organization and ensuring the Foundation remained strong for the generations that followed. Their commitment wasn’t about recognition. It was about believing in our schools, our teachers and our students, and Atlantic is better because they chose to serve.”
Today, the Atlantic Community School Foundation Board of Directors continues that work, building upon the legacy established by those who have served throughout its history.
More than 40 years after its founding, the Foundation’s mission continues: supporting educational opportunities for Atlantic students, empowering educators to bring innovative ideas to life and helping graduates pursue opportunities beyond high school.
As the Foundation looks toward its next chapter, its board hopes to continue building awareness of the role the organization can play in strengthening education in Atlantic while encouraging alumni, families, businesses and community members to be part of that work.
Whether through a gift, scholarship, memorial or other form of support, community members who would like to invest in the continued work of the Atlantic Community School Foundation are encouraged to get involved.
To learn more about giving to or supporting the Atlantic Community School Foundation, email acsfoundation@atlanticiaschools.org or contact Diane Hayes at the Atlantic Community School District Central Office at (712) 243-4252.
Current Atlantic Community School Foundation Board of Directors
David Wiederstein, President Brad Henningsen, Vice President Jeff Gude, Treasurer
Jessie Shiels, Secretary Ted Robinson
John Becker Lucas Mosier Erin Freund Liz Hunt-Reid Ann McCurdy
Beth Johnsen, Non-Voting Member
