TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — The community is focused on raising up the next generation of leaders.
The Big Bend Minority Chamber raised more than $12,000 to help Title I schools.
Springwood Elementary Principal Sylvia Myers has worked at a Title I school for most of her career.
Although she says the work she does is very rewarding, it does come with challenges.
"What the community needs to remember is that these kids are our future so if you invest in them now--- the rewards will come in the end," said Myers.
Myers wakes up every day, determined to make an impact on her students. Some days, her work comes easier than others.
"One of the biggest challenges for a Title I school is resources," said Myers. "There are certain amounts of money we get to buy materials and books and supplies for our students, but we don't always have the extra funding we need for technology and incentives for things for our facility and staff."
When Myers found out about Big Bend Minority Chamber's donation, she was overwhelmed.
"It is exciting, it's heart warming, there's nothing more rewarding then knowing you have the support of your community," said Myers.
24 schools in Leon County are considered Title I.
This means that about 40 percent of students come from low-income households.
Rocky Hanna, superintendent of Leon County Schools, is confident this money will help teachers feel more supported.
"These dollars will not only put a smile on their face but make them know that they are appreciated and we care about them," said Hanna.
The money will allow the schools to hold luncheons and fundraisers for students and teachers to help keep them motivated throughout the school year.
Leon County Schools is using this donation as a starting point, hoping to bring in even more money.
"We are challenging other groups, other community partners to meet the challenge that the Big Bend Minority Chamber started," said Hanna. "We are looking to match funds and anyway we can to grow that number. It would be wonderful if we could get it up to $100,000."
The school board is hoping to get the money distributed to the schools as early as this summer.
