HARFORD COUNTY, MD (October 30, 2009) - The Greater Edgewood Education Foundation (GEEF) recognized 17 businesses and organizations with Collaborative Partnership awards, with eight of those receiving special recognition for supporting the organization since its inception in 2004. Six Edgewood educators were also honored as Everyday Heroes.

More than 200 people attended GEEF's 5th Annual Gala Oct. 21 at the Richlin Ballroom, including Maryland State Schools Superintendent Nancy Grasmick and Harford County Public Schools Superintendent Robert Tomback.

Receiving Five Year Collaborative Partnership trophies were J. Vinton Schafer & Sons; Hess Hotels Group; Slavie Federal Savings Bank; Clarence's Taste of New Orleans; Harford County Public Schools; Constellation Energy; Huntington Learning Center and APG Federal Credit Union.

Collaborative Partnership awards went to Oak Contracting, Johnson Controls, Harford Community College, Hess Hotels Group, FRP Development Corporation, Freedom Federal Credit Union, Custom Direct, SAIC, Slavie Federal Savings Bank, Maryland Public Schools, Harford County Public Schools, Total Urgent Care, J. Vinton Sschafer & Sons, Huntington Learning Center, Master Graphics and APG Federal Credit Union.

GEEF's Everyday Heroes Award recognizes one educator from each Edgewood area school who promotes exemplary dedication to the education of children and youth. Honored teachers receive a plaque and a $100 grant to use for innovative programs in their classrooms.

Teachers receiving Everyday Heroes awards were Jeffrey Winfield, Edgewood High School; Brooke Smith, Edgewood Middle School; Kimberly Powers, William Paca/Old Post Road Elementary School; Kristen Burke, Edgewood Elementary School; Linda Dart, Deerfield Elementary School, and Grace Cooper, Abingdon Elementary School.

Giovanni's Restaurant and McCormick and Company also gave each Everyday Hero a gift, and Councilman Dion Guthrie presented each hero with a citation from the Harford County Council commending their efforts for the educational success of their students.

During the event, Bob Thomas, representing Harford County Executive David Craig, presented GEEF Executive Director Deb Merlock a proclamation commending the non-profit for its outstanding service to schools, students and parents in the greater Edgewood community.

About GEEF
The Greater Edgewood Education Foundation, Inc. is a partnership of diverse community members who strive to build community partnerships that will raise public awareness, pride and support for the quality of education in the Greater Edgewood Area Schools and enhance educational opportunities for its students. Its programs include:

College Pathways – a K-12 program designed to work with elementary and middle school students to prepare them for high school. The program strives to provide high school students motivation, academic and social support to graduate from high school and complete a program of post-secondary education. The Foundation's goal is to award every graduating student from Edgewood High School a scholarship to a postsecondary learning institution.

Teacher Incentive Program – a program designed to support the recruitment and retention of highly qualified teachers. A mix of programs include recognition through the Everyday Heroes Award, a business sponsored welcome back to school package, and school based mini grants that address innovative strategies to support parent involvement and raise student achievement.

SMILE Program – Students Modeling Interactive Leadership in Edgewood. Students attend a three day, two night leadership retreat designed to empower students with the skills to make positive choices, gain self-confidence and learn to understand how effective communication and peer support can enhance individual and group decision-making, the development of trust, and positive risk-taking. Each SMILE student develops a personal plan that outlines necessary steps to achieve their post secondary dreams. SMILE Alumni attend additional leadership retreats during the school year.

For More Information: Harford Ledger Link