HAMPTON EDUCATION FOUNDATION
Hampton Education Foundation connects our One Community!


Your sponsorship helps fund innovative classroom projects, student scholarships, and enrichment experiences that make a lasting impact across our One Community.
Ready to get involved?
Click below to make a donation or learn more about sponsorship opportunities for HEF Fest and other Foundation programs.
For questions or customized sponsorship options, contact Nancy LeCuyer Beach at hef-director@hampton.k12.va.us or 757-896-7789.
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The Hampton Education Foundation (HEF) is a special partner for the Hampton City Schools. HEF raises support from the community that drives innovation, encourages creativity, expands student opportunities, and empowers educators to strengthen teaching and learning in the Hampton City Schools. Annual support funds two main areas: the Teacher Grant Program to encourage and support teachers who are developing new programs that make learning more effective; and Student Scholarships for graduating seniors from a Hampton City School.
"I firmly believe that education is not simply a means to an end; it is the catalyst for transformative change, a powerful force that shapes the lives of our students and empowers them to build a brighter future," said Superintendent Dr. Raymond Haynes in July 2023.
The Foundation focuses on improving the student experience and joins the educators to help everyone engage with our students to help them achieve excellent outcomes throughout their journey, with us and in life. We believe the classroom is ground zero for learning during the school day and that the community must provide the best tools and learning resources possible. The Foundation's key areas of mission successes include more than $7,000 for student scholarships for graduating seniors and $40,000 for educator grants awarded in 2023-24.
The foundation began in 2001 at the request of then Superintendent Dr. Allen Davis. The Foundation has an excellent Board of Directors who serve without compensation. Day-to-day activities are managed by one part-time director.
Officers:
Dan Holloway, President
Hampton Roads Sanitation District
Lewis Smith, Vice President
Executive VP, Chief Financial Officer at BayPort Credit Union
Suzy Scott, Treasurer
Retired CFO Hampton City Schools
Heidi Wallace, Secretary
Curriculum Associates
Members:
Ali Afonja
Kappatal Construction
Frank Dickseski
Retired, Lockheed Martin
Chris Fannin
Independent Consultant
Mayor James A. Gray
City of Hampton
Adam D. Krininger
Newport News Shipbuilding, HII
Rachel A. Kuchta
Peake Childhood Center
Dr. Patricia Leary
Sandpiper Leadership
Brooks Lively
Old Dominion University
Louis G. Morris
Retired, Old Point National Bank
Anne Ligon Rutherford
City Attorney’s Office, City of Hampton
Robert F. Shuford, Sr.
Retired, Old Point National Bank
Ray Smith
Retired, Hampton City Schools
Samantha Snead
Hampton Roads Convention Center
Molly Joseph Ward
Downtown Hampton Development Partnership, Inc.
Ex-Officio Members:
Nancy LeCuyer Beach - Executive Director, Hampton Education Foundation
Brynne Cere - HCS Elementary School Representative
Kellie Goral - HCS Executive Director of Public Relations and Marketing
Dr. Raymond L. Haynes - HCS Superintendent
Sharif Hicks - HCS Middle School Representative
Dr. Dwayne Lucas - HCS High School Representative
Sheridan Meriwether - Hampton Council of PTA/PTSA Representative
Dr. Jennifer Oliver, HCS Director of Community and Government Relations

Strengthen teaching and learning in the Hampton City Schools
As funding issues continue to involve public schools, the Hampton Education Foundation (HEF) supports our Hampton City Schools by generating private financial support that helps underwrite new initiatives as an additional feature to public funding. We secure time, talent and treasure that gives administration, educators and students a wider array of educational possibilities.
How to support a student or an educator today:
With your generosity, the Hampton Education Foundation helps realize the promise of public education, provides exciting opportunities across the division, and empowers our students, educators and communities to thrive.
Just click on the donation above to make your tax deductible gift.
All donations may be mailed to:
If your employer offers payroll deduction for the United Way, HEF's United Way code is 7432.The Hampton Education Foundation
1 Franklin St
Hampton, VA 23669
Attention: Nancy LeCuyer Beach
If you have a specific need or interest area that you would like to support, please contact HEF's executive director at 757-896-7789.


HEF awards $40,000 in teacher grants
The Hampton Education Foundation (HEF) is proud to support the educators of Hampton City Schools by funding creative, hands-on classroom projects that go above and beyond the standard curriculum. These grants help bring new ideas, fresh materials, and enriched learning experiences into our schools.
HEF has increased the annual funding for teacher grants from around $30,000 to $40,000, a 33% rise, as part of a strategic push to expand educator innovation in our schools. Throughout the past decade, HEF has invested more than $250,000 in teacher grants to enrich learning experiences for students.
This year’s response was truly outstanding! A total of 172 educators from 36 Hampton City Schools sites—representing every school, special program, the School Administration Center, and the Patriot Center—submitted 187 innovative grant proposals, requesting more than $207,000 in funding.
After a thorough review and scoring process by volunteers on the HEF Grants Committee, 41 projects from 25 schools and centers were selected for funding—totaling $39,984 in awarded grants.
Breakdown of Awards:
Group Innovation Grants: 52 reviewed, selected 7, and awarded $17,485.12
Individual Innovation Grants: 50 reviewed, selected 14, and awarded $13,649.76
Mini-Grants: 85 reviewed, selected 20, and awarded $8,849.12
Anyone interested in supporting the Hampton Education Foundation’s Teacher Grants program or other HEF initiatives that empower our educators and students may do so here. Every contribution helps turn great teaching ideas into reality across Hampton City Schools.
The full list of the 2025-2026 Hampton Education Foundation Teacher Grants Winners
Group Grants up to $2,500
Bethel High |
1067 BRUIN: A Media, Arts, and Design Academy student-led digital and print media initiative |
Kimberly Coleman |
Teelia Lowery |
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Johnnie Rascoe |
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Jane H. Bryan Elementary |
Science Detectives: Rotating Science Kits for English Language Learners |
Nyeema McCaskill |
Lesa Shannon |
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Taneisha Lawrence |
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Annemarie Papa Bassett |
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Jones Magnet Middle |
Sustainability Studio: Where Innovation meets Ingenuity |
Susan Booth |
Ajia Lindsey |
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Angela Williams |
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Sabrina Burbanck |
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India Burroughs |
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Ann H. Kilgore Gifted Center |
MicroBits for Science |
Debra Hicks |
Jake Porter |
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Christina Leach |
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Ann H. Kilgore Gifted Center |
The Hobbit in Hampton |
Morgan Thompson |
Ebony Jordan |
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George P. Phenix PreK-8 School |
Storyteller Studio |
Dr. Kimberlyn Baughans |
Olivia Baughans |
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Cynamon Bell |
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School Administration Center |
WishWorks! An Innovative School Enterprise |
Sherry J Hildebrandt |
Valerie Simms |
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Danielle Kearse |
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Kelly Carpenter |
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Bratati Chakraborty |
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Adeline Terwilliger |
Individual Grants up to $1,000
Barron Elementary |
Colorful Classroom Culture |
Symmione McDowell |
Cooper Elementary Magnet School for Technology |
Lab Coats & Leadership: Equipping the Cooper Lab Coat Crew |
Alyssa Dowling |
Jones Magnet Middle |
Swinging Toward Freedom |
Suann Strickland |
Kecoughtan High |
Needlefelting Endangered Animals |
Robin Gordon |
Ann H. Kilgore Gifted Center |
Digital Vision Lab |
Danielle Smith |
Langley Elementary |
Ukuleles in the Classroom |
Jennifer Murray |
Lindsay Middle |
Flow to Grow: The Treehouse S.A.G.E. Rain Garden Initiative |
Tiara Kersey |
Lindsay Middle |
Girls' Flag Football |
Belynda Kirby |
George P. Phenix PreK-8 School |
Butterfly Life Cycle and Garden Hands On Learning Experience - A Cross Grade Level Collaboration |
Renee Cury |
Phillips Elementary |
This Way or That Way: /Algorithm & Programming |
Jennifer Buck |
Phoebus High |
Growing Connections |
Sara Benham |
School Administration Center |
Electrical Engineer |
Wendy P. Crist |
Stop! Animation Time! |
Victoria Martin |
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Tarrant Middle |
Turntable Institute - Audio Engineering |
Ahmad Davis |
Mini Grants up to $500
Armstrong School for the Arts |
Career Awareness Hands-On Gallery |
Bobbi Carroll |
Barron Elementary |
Engage the Reading Intervention |
Jan Marie VanDenheede |
Bethel High |
Reading in Chemistry is Elemental! |
Katelyn Harlan |
Bethel High |
Senior Showbiz Showcase |
Heather Woodruff |
Bridgeport Academy |
Discover the true beauty of math through art therapy |
Amy Ziemba |
Performing Arts Exploration and Music Therapy |
Jonathan Tolliver |
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Burbank Elementary |
If You Plant it They Will Come |
Missy Powell-Riedl |
Mary T. Christian Elementary |
Equity among students: a Care Closet |
Casey Koster-Ware |
Eaton Fundamental Middle |
Multiplication in Motion |
Santa Williams |
FLEx |
Phoneme Graphing Mapping Support for FLEx First Grade Learners |
Meryl Innerfield |
Forrest Elementary |
The Place to GROW: Forrest Elementary Herb Garden Project |
Jennifer Holmes |
Mary W. Jackson Elementary |
Rocket Ready: STEM for Creativity, Collaboration, and Critical Thinking |
Mitzi Newlin, The Marshall Grantee |
Kecoughtan High |
Practicing the 250: AP Art History Explores Works by Artmaking |
Madeline Brewer |
Moton Early Childhood Center |
Sidewalk Sensory Walk |
Amy Twisdale |
George P. Phenix PreK-8 School |
Federalism Cake-off |
Carrie O'Hanlon |
George P. Phenix PreK-8 School |
R.I.C.H. Girls |
Karmen Gray |
Phillips Elementary |
Funding for the Kids |
Michelle Ladson |
Phillips Elementary |
Phillips' School Wide Elementary Science Fair |
Whitney Davis |
Smith Elementary |
Annotation Made Fun! |
Melissa Wilson |
Syms Middle |
The Reset Room: A Restorative Approach to Academic and Emotional Success |
Jatori Powell |
SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS HAVE CLOSED FOR THE 2024-25 ACADEMIC YEAR. UPDATES WILL BE SHARED IN LATE APRIL TO ALL APPLICANTS.
The Hampton Education Foundation is strongly committed to assisting students as they continue their education beyond high school. Currently there are THREE scholarships opportunities. They are closed for the 2024-2025 academic year.
The Michael Canty Memorial Scholarship was established in memory of Dr. Michael Canty to support a Hampton City School high school graduate(s) to pursue further study or training at an accredited two-year or four-year institution or trade school. This $1,000.00 scholarship …
Purpose:
To provide a $1,000 scholarship to a graduating senior to pursue further study or training at an accredited two-year or four-year institution or trade school. This scholarship shall be awarded to one Hampton City School graduate who best exemplifies the qualities valued by Mike as well as some of the same qualities that Mike embodied.
The scholarship funds will either be paid directly to the recipient's educational institution of choice or deposited into a Virginia 529 education account for the benefit and use of the award recipient.
Eligibility:
The scholarship recipient must be enrolled in a high school located in Hampton City, Virginia, or a Hampton City resident attending a HCS High School, The Governor’s School or any other public high school, specialty center or high school program established in agreement with the HCS school board.
Criteria:
Mike had an extensive background in education and was passionate about children and youth, and in particular, the underserved, “at risk” youth in the City of Hampton. He touched many lives during his time in Hampton, working at the Virginia School for the Deaf, Blind and Multi-Disabled, as principal of Hampton High School, as the director of InSync Partnerships, and finally as the City of Hampton’s Neighborhood Offices Service Manager. Known to most as just “Mike,” many words have been used to describe Mike – loving devoted family man, good friend, educator, public servant, and all-around nice guy.
Mike had a special place in his heart for those who have struggled a bit more than most, but who nevertheless find success. His heart was with those who seize opportunities when they present themselves, and despite obstacles, keep focused on their goals. This scholarship honors Mike’s valiant and hard-fought battle with leukemia.
Access the Application here, including the required essay and one letter of recommendation from a school, community, or faith-based leader.
Please contact hef-director@hampton.k12.va.us with any questions.
The Elizabeth “Betty” Marshall Education Enhancement Fund was established in honor of Elizabeth “Betty” Marshall, to provide a $1,000 scholarship to a Hampton City Schools graduating senior to pursue further study or training at an accredited two year or four-year institution. The candidate(s) shall be seeking a career in teaching…
Purpose:
To provide a $1,000 scholarship to a graduating senior to pursue further study at an accredited four-year institution. The candidate(s) shall be seeking a career in teaching, with preferred attention to those interested in teaching in middle school. The scholarship funds will either be paid directly to the recipient’s educational institution of choice or deposited into a Virginia 529 education account for the benefit and use of the award recipient.
Eligibility:The scholarship recipient must be enrolled in a high school located in Hampton City, Virginia, or a Hampton City resident attending a HCS High School, The Governor’s School or any other public high school, specialty center or high school program established in agreement with the HCS school board.
Criteria:Applicants shall demonstrate a minimum GPA of 3.0 and demonstrate financial need; scholarship funds may be used by the recipient for tuition, books, or other school-related costs that the recipient chooses. To renew the scholarship for subsequent academic years, all scholars are required to have a minimum overall 2.75 grade point average (GPA) and earn at least 30 credit hours during the academic year (fall, spring, and summer).
Access the APPLICATION here, including the required short essay and one letter of recommendation from a teacher.
Please contact hef-director@hampton.k12.va.us with any questions.
Application:
- Complete the form including an essay sharing why you want to become a teacher.
- Submit one letters of recommendation from a teacher who is a non-family member
- Submit an OFFICIAL copy of your high school transcript and senior year class schedule.
- You may submit a list of your community-school involvement, noting your leadership roles.
About the honoree: Betty was a teacher in Hampton City Schools from 1974-2004, and then for 10 more years at the Cathedral School for Boys in San Francisco. Specifically, Betty was an extremely dedicated teacher and was especially effective with the Alternative Education Program. This scholarship is in appreciation of all she did to help students throughout her career in teaching.
Recipients
2023 Trinity Blevins (Bethel High School) – first year awarded, and renewed in 2024
2024 Natalie Gillott (Kecoughtan High School)
The Hampton Education Foundation Scholarship was established to provide a $1,000 scholarship to a graduating senior to pursue further study or training at an accredited two year or four-year institution. The candidate(s) shall be a current student at a Hampton City School.
Purpose:
To provide a $1,000 scholarship to a graduating senior to pursue further study at an accredited four-year institution. The scholarship funds will either be paid directly to the recipient’s educational institution of choice or deposited into a Virginia 529 education account for the benefit and use of the award recipient.
Eligibility:The scholarship recipient must be enrolled in a high school located in Hampton City, Virginia, or a Hampton City resident attending a HCS High School, The Governor’s School or any other public high school, specialty center or high school program established in agreement with the HCS school board.
Criteria:Applicants shall demonstrate a minimum GPA of 3.0 and demonstrate financial need; scholarship funds may be used by the recipient for tuition, books, or other school-related costs that the recipient chooses.
Access the Application here, including the required short answers and one letter of recommendation from a school, community, or faith-based leader.
Please contact hef-director@hampton.k12.va.us with any questions.
Application:
- Complete a typed, double-spaced response to ONE of the two prompts.
- Submit one letters of recommendation from counselors, instructors, community leaders, etc.
- Submit an OFFICIAL copy of high school transcript and senior year class schedule.
- Optional - Submit a list of your community-school involvement, noting your leadership roles.
Student Scholarships
Congratulations to the 2023-24 Scholarship Recipients:
The Hampton Education Foundation Scholarships:
Cai Gomes (Phoebus)
Denise Penn (Bethel)
Travis Rivers (Kecoughtan)
Corynn Tynes (Hampton)
The Elizabeth “Betty” Marshall Education Enhancement Fund:
Natalie Gillott (Kecoughtan)
The Michael Canty Memorial Scholarships:
Kayla Browne (Kecoughtan)
Ahlani Hall (Phoebus)
If you are interested in making a donation toward Hampton City School Scholarships or establishing a scholarship endowment, please reach out to hef-director@hampton.k12.va.us for more details.

We must all care enough to share our time and talents.
Committed volunteers are critical to our efforts to grow healthy kids. Every school and every program can use your help. Additionally there are an abundance of volunteer opportunities throughout the community. And although they may not be tied directly to a school initiative, all of our efforts to improve Hampton work together.
If you would like to volunteer to work with the foundation please contact us at hef-director@hampton.k12.va.us.
IF you are looking for community opportunities try contacting www.allforgood.org.