Monticello Schools: Educational Grants Help Support Student Programs

November 2010

At a recent Board of Education meeting, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Patrick Michel, on behalf of the Monticello Central School District, officially accepted a $3,750 ExxonMobil Educational Alliance grant award. The money is allocated in $750 denominations for each of the five district schools: Monticello High School, Robert J. Kaiser Middle School, Emma C. Chase Elementary, George L. Cooke Elementary and Kenneth L. Rutherford Elementary. Each school will use its money to pay for math and science initiatives for students.

The ExxonMobil grant funding was procured through the efforts of Van Etten Oil Company executive Alyce Van Etten, with the support of the VEO Express Lanes in Monticello, Rock Hill and Wurtsboro along with 786 Mart in Kiamesha and Mobil Mart in Mongaup Valley. The company’s continuing efforts have helped secure more than $52,000 for local school programs during the past 13 years.

Ms. Van Etten, who is also a Monticello Board of Education member, was ecstatic to present the district with the funds.

“We are committed to giving back to the community by investing in educational opportunities for all students,” said Ms. Van Etten. “It is especially important during these tough economic times.”

Superintendent Dr. Patrick Michel expressed gratitude for the added support of the educational programs and stated that the district “deeply appreciates the efforts and dedication of its Board member.”

Photo: Monticello Superintendent of Schools Dr. Patrick Michel, Cooke Elementary School students Nigel Herbert, Erin Brawley and Dylan Price, Principal Sandra Johnson-Fields and Van Etten Oil Company representative Grace Van Etten. Ms. Johnson-Fields said she was thrilled to receive the grant funds because her school is in need of books and math supplies.