School foundation awards two grants

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After reviewing a total of nine applications, the Palmyra School Foundation has awarded two grants through the Warren & Katherine Head Memorial Fund.

Grants were recently awarded to Nicole Gard and Hailey Neirman.

The grant to Nicole Gard, will support her work in the school’s PACE program to provide LEGO Education BricQ Motion kits which will support increased inquiry-based, active learning, according to the foundation. 

Hailey Nierman, who teaches grades 7-8 Special Education, will use the grant to support her work in seeking to maximize learning by providing some flexible seating to foster a classroom environment where students can focus, learn and participate to their fullest potential.

The Warren & Katherine Head Memorial Fund was created by Wallace and John Head in honor of their parents.  

Warren Head, educated in Palmyra’s public schools, lived his entire life in Palmyra except for his college years, service during World War II and a short career in business before returning to operate Estelbrook Farms established around 1907 by his parents.  

Katherine Head grew up in Shelbina and Monroe City, but frequented Palmyra as a girl because her father, Lloyd King, grew up here. 

She is also a direct descendant of Benjamin Vanlandingham, the original non-Native settler in Palmyra.  

During their 60 years together in Palmyra, the Heads devoted much of their time to education matters. Between them, they chaired the Parent Teachers Association, Kiwanis Club, Library Board and Heritage Seekers in order to bring enrichment to Palmyra and the surrounding community, according to information from the foundation.   

In commenting on the establishment of the fund in memory of their parents, Wallace Head (PHS class of 1968) and John Head (PHS class of 1971) noted they trace a lot of their values to the teachers, coaches, and mentors they had in the Palmyra schools, so it’s very rewarding to be able to support projects and programs that innovating teachers undertake for the benefit of today’s Palmyra students.  

The work of the Palmyra School Foundation impresses the Heads as a clear reflection of the community’s ongoing commitment to provide a quality public education for its young people

Both noted, they encourage others to join them in supporting the foundation’s work. 

According to the Palmyra School Foundation, it is fortunate to have received numerous other contributions as well, and further funding for worthy projects will be possible through the generosity of donors.