Glen Raven, Inc., a global provider of innovative fabrics, presented a $10,000 check today to Hillcrest Elementary School for the development of an outdoor learning space on campus. The donation is part of Glen Raven's ongoing partnership with Hillcrest Elementary to enrich educational opportunities for students.
Glen Raven Chairman Allen Gant, Leib Oehmig CEO, Christine Mathews, CFO, and other Glen Raven associates were on hand Friday morning to present the check to Hillcrest Principal Dr. Jennifer Reed and her students. The funds will be used to transform an outdoor area into an innovative learning environment complete with shaded seating and activity tables.
Dr. Jennifer Reed, Principal of Hillcrest Elementary, expressed gratitude for Glen Raven's ongoing support. "Partnerships like this one are vital to enriching the educational experience we provide at Hillcrest Elementary. We are thankful not only for Glen Raven's financial contribution, but also for their commitment to improving education and quality of life in our community."
Work on the outdoor learning space will begin immediately, with plans to complete the project before the end of the current school year. The space will provide opportunities for small group instruction, reading groups, hands-on learning, and other educational activities.
"Glen Raven has been a dedicated partner to Hillcrest Elementary, constantly finding ways to support our students and staff," said Sandy Ellington-Graves, ABSS Board Chair. "We are deeply grateful for Glen Raven's commitment to improving the lives of our children and staff."
The donation is part of Glen Raven's ongoing commitment to supporting local education. Two years ago, they selected Hillcrest Elementary for adoption due to its close proximity to the company's corporate headquarters in Burlington. Glen Raven associates also regularly volunteer at the school.
"Glen Raven's partnership with Hillcrest Elementary has enriched the lives of our associates through volunteerism just as much as the students and staff they work with. Serving as mentors and role models has been mutually impactful,” said Christine Mathews, Glen Raven, CFO. “We hope this inspires other companies to make similar investments in education in their communities.”
ABSS Superintendent Dr. Dain Butler praised the company for its long-standing investment in public education. “Partnerships like this are what’s needed in every school and every community. I want to again thank Mr. Gant and Glen Raven for believing in the work we do and investing in the future of our students. This space will not only enhance this campus but provide a creative space for learning for years to come.”
