Longfellow Elementary announces recipient of its first Business Partner of the Year Award

Longfellow Legacy Foundation, which was created by parents of students at Longfellow Elementary School in response to drastic budget cuts that threaten programs at the school, has selected Power of One Self-Defense Institute as the recipient of its first Business Partner of the Year Award.
With continued budget cuts throughout the state, programs such as technology, arts, and science are often the first to go. The business community has been supportive in providing financial and participatory support to help sustain these programs despite a tough economic environment, according to a press release issued by the Longfellow Legacy Board.
The Longfellow Business Partner of the Year Award is awarded to a business or corporation in good standing that has demonstrated its support, commitment and dedication to academic excellence at Longfellow and meets the following criteria: an active participant and/or sponsor at school events; significant contribution(s) that support academic or enrichment programs; and other exceptional action in supporting the general well-being of the student population.

The award includes an award certificate, a formal presentation by principal Laurie Murrin and Legacy Board members during a school assembly, and the business name’s placement on a perpetual plaque on permanent display at the school.
Power of One’s recent actions of note include: significant monetary donations, including one that allowed the purchase of a SMART Interactive White Board, allowing classrooms to be updated on current technology; sponsorships of events such as the Harvest Festival and Jog-a-Thon; and presentations at the last three years’ annual Red Ribbon Weeks, encouraging healthy and positive living. Power of One has also offered free clinics for students at their studio on topics such as bullying prevention.
“[Longfellow] Legacy is excited to honor Power of One with this award and to show how much Longfellow Elementary appreciates their support,” said Kathleen Nemeth, Longfellow Legacy Board member.
Tara Van Deusen, owner of Power of One, said she believes in the importance of supporting a community, and particularly the school system. “Educating, nurturing and developing the minds of today’s youth and tomorrow’s leaders still takes a village,” Van Deusen said. “We teach our children and students to make a positive difference in the world whenever they can, and we want to lead by the best of examples.”

More Information
facebook.com/longfellowlegacy
lbschools.net/Community/Education_Foundation