Fourth Annual Hampton Education Foundation (HEF) H.E.F. Fest is a success

The fourth annual H.E.F. Fest, held on Saturday, November 8, at The Vanguard, celebrated the educators, students, and community members who make Hampton City Schools shine. The event raised more than $60,000 to support teacher innovation and student success through the Hampton Education Foundation (HEF) grants and scholarships.

 

This annual celebration showcases the power of community collaboration, bringing together more than 300 local leaders, alumni, educators, friends, and families—all united by a shared commitment to invest in education and honor Hampton’s legacy of learning.

 

As the Hampton Education Foundation’s signature fundraising event, H.E.F. Fest raises the majority of private contributions that fund $40,000 in teacher grants and $7,000 in student scholarships each year, supporting post-secondary education of all kinds — from college to apprenticeships.

 

The evening’s spirit of collaboration began with the 22-piece H.E.F. Fest All-Star Band, featuring local musicians, alumni, parents, and community leaders who come together to celebrate education through live music and shared purpose. Founded by Nancy Beach, Executive Director of HEF, and produced by Bill Beach and Chris Ambrosino, the event captures the heart of HEF’s mission: bringing the Hampton community together to invest in its schools and students.

 

HEF supports educators through three types of Teacher Grants — Mini-Grants (up to $500), Individual Innovation Grants (up to $1,000), and Group Innovation Grants (up to $2,500) — funding creative projects like “The Hobbit in Hampton” at Kilgore Gifted Center, “R.I.C.H. Girls” at Phenix PreK–8, and “Reading in Chemistry is Elemental” at Bethel High.

 

HEF also awards annual scholarships honoring educational leadership and service: the Canty Scholarship (in memory of our good friend Mike Canty), the Marshall Scholarship (in honor of HCS retired classroom teacher Betty Marshall), and four HEF Scholars Awards. New this year is the Barbara Williamson Benson Vocational Scholarship, offering two $2,000 awards to students pursuing Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs.

 

The Hampton Education Foundation also helps families create endowed scholarships to honor loved ones and support students in perpetuity — a lasting legacy of learning. Together, through events like H.E.F. Fest, Hampton’s residents, partners, and schools continue to celebrate and strengthen our shared commitment to education.

 

HEF’s strategic plan focuses on deepening community connections by developing an alumni engagement program and expanding support for literacy initiatives and student impact funds, ensuring even greater opportunities for Hampton students to learn, grow, and succeed.