On the evening of September 24, 2024, the Beaver County Educational Trust (BCET) hosted a memorable Happy Hour event at Frank G’s in Bridgewater. The gathering provided a unique opportunity for BCET donors to connect with board members and meet some of the educators whose projects have benefited from the Trust’s funding initiatives.
The event saw a strong turnout, with 35 guests in attendance, including representatives from five school districts that have received funding for innovative projects like the Story-Walk grants, STEAM-Walk grants, and Great Idea Mini-grants. It was an evening filled with gratitude, collaboration, and inspiration.
BCET President, Mike Jones, of MUTJ Law Offices, kicked off the event by offering a brief history of the organization, emphasizing its mission to support local educators and students. He also took a moment to express heartfelt appreciation to several key donors present at the event, including Lincoln Learning Solutions, Beaver Falls Rotary, and Huntington Bank. Their continued generosity has played an integral role in making BCET’s impactful initiatives possible.
Following the opening remarks, the evening transitioned into a series of presentations from four teachers who received grants from BCET. These educators shared stories of how the funding had empowered them to bring creative and engaging learning opportunities to their students. The presentations underscored the importance of these grants in fostering educational innovation and enriching the classroom experience.
TEACHER OF THE YEAR 2024-25
A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Teacher of the Year award to Donna Steff from the Hopewell School District. This honor was presented by BCET President-Elect, Joe Rubino, in recognition of Donna’s exceptional contributions to education. Her dedication to her students and her innovative approach to teaching have made a lasting impact on the Hopewell community, and the award was a well-deserved acknowledgment of her hard work.
The Happy Hour event was a wonderful reminder of the positive impact BCET’s donors and supporters have on the education of students in Beaver County. As the evening came to a close, there was a renewed sense of purpose and a shared commitment to continue supporting educators who strive to make a difference in the lives of students.
The BCET is grateful to all those who attended and looks forward to future opportunities to celebrate and support education in Beaver County. Thank you to our donors, board members, and educators for making the evening a success!