Alice Whitman Chapter DAR Honors Orofino Elementary School
LEWISTON, ID: Daughters of the American Revolution Junior Membership Committee has awarded its Helen Pouch Memorial Fund Classroom Grant for 2023 to Orofino Elementary School and teacher Nicole Falk, sponsored by the Alice Whitman Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution.
The purpose of the Helen Pouch Memorial Fund (HPMF) Classroom Grant is to support DAR’s support of education. One of DAR’s Junior Membership Committee goals is to help as many students as possible. This grant of $500.00 supports classrooms and teachers, grades kindergarten through 12th grade, by awarding up to four ($500.00) grants per state annually and sponsored by a local DAR Chapter. Proposed projects by teachers must directly benefit students in the classroom. The HPMF grant may be used for supplies and educational resources to directly impact students.
Ms. Nicole Falk, a teacher at Orofino Elementary School, submitted an application requesting a 3D printer, software and filaments for students to learn how to design and print using this technology and then allow students to engage and create a project of their own to print. She is hoping to get the printer this school year and have the students complete a project by the end of May 2024. Orofino Elementary has 350 students located in the Joint School District 171 in Orofino, ID.
“I am excited to bring this opportunity into my classroom for my students to experience and interact with real world-world equipment that will be product of their future,” said Ms. Falk.
The Helen Pouch Memorial Fund was named in memory of Helen Pouch, 1901-1919. Helen was the daughter of Helena R. Pouch, who became the first national chair of the Junior Membership Committee in 1937 and later served as President General from 1941-1944. Authorized in 1938, the Helen Pouch Memorial Fund finances projects chosen by the Junior Membership Committee with approval of the NSDAR Executive Committee.
“We are thrilled to support Nicole Falk and the Orofino Elementary School. This grant directly supports one of the pillars of our Mission. Education. Congratulations Nicole!”, says Julie Riendeau, DAR Idaho State Vice-Regent and AWC Member. “Nicole’s idea is innovative and provides students with an opportunity to excel using modern technology that will affect them forever.”
If teachers are interested in applying for the Helen Pouch Memorial Fund Classroom Grant 2024, contact the DAR Alice Whitman Chapter at dar.awc.regent@gmail.com to get more information and about sponsorship. The Grant Cycle is open from January 15 through March 15, 2024.
The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) is a women’s service organization whose members can trace their lineage to an individual who contributed to securing American independence during the Revolutionary War. Today’s DAR is dynamic and diverse, with over 185,000 members in 3,000 chapters in the United States and abroad. DAR members annually provide millions of hours of volunteer service to their local communities across the country and world. DAR chapters participate in projects to promote historic preservation, education, and patriotism. Over one million members have joined the organization since its founding in 1890. For additional information about DAR and its relevant mission, visit www.dar.org.
If you are interested in learning more about DAR membership, visit www.alicewhitman.weebly.com or contact dar.awc.regent@gmail.com .