Cooperstown CFEE Provides Financial Support to Students

By ARYA PATEL
COOPERSTOWN

The Cooperstown Foundation for Excellence in Education is considered to be a very valued and trusted organization affiliated with Cooperstown Central School. CFEE provides financial grants to support opportunities for students to learn and grow. This organization is a 501c3 not-for-profit corporation chartered by the State of New York.

Founded nearly 20 years ago by a group of residents in the Cooperstown School District, CFEE has provided more than $490,000.00 in funding. For example, students benefit from the Kid Garden and Cotillion. Thanks to CFEE support, high-school students have access to innovative technology in the new STEAM and Design room. CFEE also hosts the Cooperstown Antiquarian Book Fair in June for an annual fundraiser. Book sellers purchase space at the book fair to sell their antique books.

This foundation contains endowment funds, designated funds, and organizational funds, all of which go toward efforts to improve and enhance education. The money given to specific clubs or organizations benefits the students currently enrolled within the club and for generations to come.
The CFEE board consists of 14 members: Chair Kallie Moore, Treasurer Lizz Murdock, Secretary Ellen Tillapaugh, Henry Ayers, Michelle Hitchcock, Willis Monie, Carolyn O’Brien, Arya Patel, Bijal Patel, Sally Sharkey, ex officio Sarah Spross, CCS Board Member Dr. William Streck, Sylvia Summers, and Kanica Yashi. The members make valuable contributions to the organization, meeting monthly to review grant applications and conduct business.

Former CFEE board member and officer, community member, district parent, and current school board member Lynne Mebust said, “Supporting CFEE is a great way to support additional academic programs for kids. My boys benefited from support for Quiz Team, being one of the best parts of their high-school experience.” Through this foundation, Mebust said she has seen the numerous opportunities opened up for CCS students.

Student Andrew Miller shared, “CFEE’s support for our quiz team has meant the world to me. Our trip to Chicago has not only allowed us to compete at the highest level but also gave our team lasting memories and provided us with an impactful cultural and social experience. I don’t think there is another experience like Chicago. Not only are we in one of the greatest cities in the world, but the environment of being around so many individuals of shared interest has impacted my passion for the game, and we would not be nearly as successful without it.

“As for my favorite class, STEAM and Design, CFEE’s support has allowed me to explore all of the things I have always wanted academically,” Miller continued. “As a future computer science major, exploring and experiencing the vast technological tools we have here in class has given me infinitely more opportunities to explore my future in tech, whether that be programming websites, exploring the possibilities of virtual reality, or creating 3D models in Blender. The educational and extracurricular experiences CFEE has allowed me to explore have been irreplaceable, and I am forever grateful for all they have done for myself and our school.”

The Cooperstown Foundation for Excellence in Education has been able to support programs to enhance student experiences in all grades of the Cooperstown Central School district. This organization meets the third Monday of every month at 3:15 p.m. in the high school library. To contact CFEE, e-mail cooperstownfoundation@gmail.com. Those wishing to donate can send checks to Cooperstown Foundation for Excellence in Education Inc., c/o Cooperstown Central School, 39 Linden Avenue, Cooperstown, NY, 13326.

Intern Arya Patel is a junior at Cooperstown Central School.