Who, What, When and Why, It all began...
The Knappa Schools Foundation (KSF) was founded in 1997. Some of the first board members included Marvin Autio, Shawn Teevin, Charles Kraus, Michael Foster, Eileen Chevorant , Mardelle Cokley and Ed Johnson. Their goal was to provide help in supporting Knappa Schools District as they became independent from Columbia 5J in 1997. They were supported by community members with a joint goal and out of that concern, Knappa Schools Foundation was born. Our mission statement is-
“To provide resources to enhance education and encourage individual success for the students of Knappa Schools.”
Where we are today, 28 years later…
Knappa Schools Foundation (KSF_ has been successful, with the help of many generous community donors and supporters, to support Knappa School District in providing teacher mini-grants and senior scholarships. This has been made possible through fundraising at the Annual Dinner/Auction over the last 28 years. We believe that we have accomplished this by our three-point approach to fulfilling our mission statement.
First, by awarding scholarships each year to deserving students entering their critical first year of post-secondary education. We recently added an opportunity for upper classmen to reapply for an additional scholarship to help during their last couple of years.
Secondly, by awarding grants to teachers and educators to encourage innovation in the classroom and to enhance learning and growth.
Lastly, since its inception, KSF continually invests a large percentage of the fundraising proceeds. These invested assets will continue to enhance and support students of Knappa School District well into the future.
- In 2025, KHS seniors were awarded $58,500 in scholarships
- A total of $659,810 in scholarships have been awarded from 1998 through 2025
- Grants for teachers started in 1998. Teachers apply for these grants in the fall. To date, KSF has awarded over $ 694,853 in grants.
The Foundation’s total assets have grown to over $2,200,000 with the donations and contributions of local businesses and community members since 1997.
