Batesville, In. — As part of the Batesville Community Education Foundation annual campaign residents can purchase a bulldog sculpture on an artisan-crafted base or a handmade sign done by Claire Macyauski.
“While our targeted project for the majority of the proceeds remains the same, we’re moving in a different direction from the engraved patio pavers this year for the fundraiser portion,” BCEF executive director Anne Wilson explains, “We’ll be offering Bulldog-themed handmade signs and engraved boulders for our supporters to order, produced by BHS alumni, continuing our legacy of working with BCSC graduates who are successful here in the community and want to give back.
Bulldog Boosters can pick from four sizes and eight unique styles of engraved rocks/boulders produced by Batesville monument. Batesville High School graduates Colt Weberding and Ben Meer are the project coordinators. The signs are crafted by Claire Macyauski, also a BHS graduate and owner of ‘Handmade by Claire Macyauski.’ Claire has developed six different sign designs with varying sizes in both square and rectangular shapes. Boosters can also just make a monetary donation BCEF.
Recently the foundation teamed with the Andy Koors Foundation and the Mary C. Horstman Foundation to transform the the old BHS wrestling room into a flexible space for staff, students, and alumni.
“At BCEF, we’ve made a concerted effort to work with BHS alumni and BCSC staff on our projects whenever possible,” Linkel-Cleghorn explained. “Our mission is to raise money for the Batesville Community School Corporation for innovative learning opportunities. What better way to do that than by showcasing graduates and staff who are living out our tagline of ‘beyond the basics’ with their extraordinary work?”
This annual fundraiser runs through June 10 and provides more than 40 percent of BCEF annual income. Proceeds from the first two campaigns were dedicated to flexible learning space items at BHS in 2017 and Batesville Primary School (BPS) and Batesville Intermediate School (BIS) in 2018.
“As superintendent of BCSC and a BCEF board member, I’m excited that the foundation board has decided to continue to support the flexible learning spaces initiative,” Superintendent Paul Ketcham said. “Some of the BCEF board members met last December with the teachers and students impacted by our 2018 donation and came away with a renewed dedication to continuing this initiative.”
Community members who are interested in learning more about the flexible learning space can do so at the Batesville Farmer’s Market on May 25, and June 8, as well as at BHS Senior Night May 22 and BHS graduation on June 1. Get more information online here.
Orders for signs and boulders are for local delivery only; no items will be shipped. Orders will only be taken through June 10 with no exceptions. Questions regarding BCEF or its annual campaign can be directed to Wilson at [email protected] or 812-934-2194.
