The La Porte Education Foundation showcased the efforts of La Porte ISD teachers during its annual Breakfast with the Stars held on Aug. 20 at Heritage Elementary School. 

  Teachers who were awarded innovative project grants by the Foundation during the 2009-10 school year, as well as LPISD Campus and District Teachers of the Year, had the chance to visit and enjoy breakfast with community and business/industry representatives during the event. Approximately 350 were in attendance to show their support for education in La Porte. 

The Foundation awarded over $75,000 in grants last year, with the goal of presenting another $75,000 during 2010-11.

Solar Spectacular breakfast sponsors included the Bill and Helen Crowder Foundation, Gulf Coast Educators Federal Credit Union and DuPont, with numerous other companies and individuals serving as breakfast or table sponsors. 

  Robin Vest, president of the La Porte Education Foundation, served as master of ceremonies for the event.  Music was provided by the LPISD string quartet of faculty members Debbie Barker, Rachel Rodriguez and Clint Brown and La Porte High School student Katrina Hilson.

Guest speaker was Tom DeLapp, founder of Communication Resources for Schools, who is a veteran of the communications industry with over 35 years of experience in both the public and private sectors. 

  The event also served as the kickoff for the DuPont Rubber Duck Regatta, which will be held on Nov. 6 at Sylvan Beach. Debbie Wade of the Foundation Board of Directors explained that 10,000 rubber ducks will be released into Galveston Bay, with the first ducks finishing the race winning outstanding prizes sponsored by local businesses and industries. The ducks are "adopted" for $5 each, with proceeds from the event benefitting the Foundation.

In addition, the event included a silent auction for items donated by Foundation directors and Friends of the Foundation.

Foundation Board members are currently preparing for the 2010-11 grant cycle, with grant applications due by Oct. 1.  Applications are available on the LPISD web site at www.lpisd.org under the "Quick Links" section.

The mission of the La Porte Education Foundation is to enhance education by funding innovative, creative instructional projects for students and teachers in La Porte schools.  To date, the Foundation, established in 1993, has awarded 814 grants totaling over $678,000. In addition, the Foundation has awarded over 70 student scholarships through designated funds, sent 60 La Porte High School students to China through the Global Studies Exchange Program, and established pilot iPod Touch and Healing Species programs at LPISD campuses.

  For more information on the La Porte Education Foundation or the DuPont Rubber Duck Regatta, call the LPISD Communications Office at 281-604-7001.