HAMPTON CITY SCHOOLS EVERY CHILD, EVERY DAY, WHATEVER IT TAKES!

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HAMPTON EDUCATION FOUNDATION


Nancy LeCuyer Beach
Executive Director
HEF-Director@hampton.k12.va.us
757-896-7789

 

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Hampton Education Foundation connects our One Community!

Hampton Education Foundation Creating Futures



November 8, 2025
4th Annual H.E.F. Fest on sale now!

 TICKETS HERE

 

Join us in supporting Hampton City Schools students and educators through the Hampton Education Foundation!

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.

 

Donate or Become a Sponsor

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


 

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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:

The Hampton Education Foundation
1 Franklin St
Hampton, VA 23669
Attention: Nancy LeCuyer Beach

If your employer offers payroll deduction for the United Way, HEF's United Way code is 7432. 

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.

 

The Hampton Education Foundation Teacher Grants for HCS Educators

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



Johnnie Rascoe

Jane H. Bryan Elementary

Science Detectives: Rotating Science Kits for English Language Learners

Nyeema McCaskill



Lesa Shannon



Taneisha Lawrence



Annemarie Papa Bassett

Jones Magnet Middle

Sustainability Studio: Where Innovation meets Ingenuity

Susan Booth



Ajia Lindsey



Angela Williams



Sabrina Burbanck



India Burroughs

Ann H. Kilgore Gifted Center

MicroBits for Science

Debra Hicks



Jake Porter



Christina Leach

Ann H. Kilgore Gifted Center

The Hobbit in Hampton

Morgan Thompson



Ebony Jordan

George P. Phenix PreK-8 School

Storyteller Studio

Dr. Kimberlyn Baughans



Olivia Baughans



Cynamon Bell

School Administration Center

WishWorks! An Innovative School Enterprise

Sherry J Hildebrandt



Valerie Simms



Danielle Kearse



Kelly Carpenter



Bratati Chakraborty



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

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

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


 

 

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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 Hampton Education Foundation strives to raise new scholarships each year to provide Hampton City Schools graduating seniors the optimal funding to pursue post-secondary education. Please contact hef-director@hampton.k12.va.us if you are interested in speaking with someone regarding establishing a new scholarship.

 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.

 

 

photo of people hands with the word volunteer above them

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.

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