The Troy High School Class of 1959 celebrated its 50th class reunion on May 1 and 2, with a weekend of renewed friendships, fond memories and looking forward.

The activities were funded, in part, with funds raised from the raffle of a handmade quilt by Evelyn S. Cox.

When the reunion weekend came to a close, the class members wanted to do something useful and purposeful with the funds that remained. So, the decision was made to make a $1,000 donation to the Troy City Schools Education Foundation.

The Foundation is a non-profit organization that provides grant funding for the system’s faculty for projects that will enrich the educational opportunities for the students, said Stacy Graning, Foundation president.

“The programs and projects that are funded through the Troy City Schools Education Foundation are outside the scope of normal education funding,” Graning said.

“The Foundation is funded through generous donations from the staff and individuals in the community and also through memorials and honorariums.”

Projects and programs funded with Foundation grants include outdoor gardens and a fish pool at Troy Elementary School and a unit on manners that culminated with the class enjoying a sit-down dinner experience at Troy Country Club.

“Each year Troy City Schools Education Foundation grants make it possible for the fifth grade students to visit the Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville,” Graning said.

“The ‘Books of Hope’ writing project at Charles Henderson High School was funded through a Foundation grant, as are field trips to art museums and other places of educational value.”

Troy City Schools Education Foundation grants are awarded across the curriculum and include advanced and remedial programs, as well as the vocational/technical programs.

The grants are awarded through an application process initiated by faculty when there is an opportunity to enrich the classroom experience through outside programs or projects.

Connie Dobson, Foundation vice president, said donations for the grants program are solicited through mass mailouts that encourage support for the program.

“The list is comprised of those who have donated in the past and others who are supportive of the Troy City Schools,” she said.

“We are very appreciative of the donations and know that the money will be used for the betterment of our students.

“We are excited about the generous donation from the Troy High School Class of 1959. This is the first donation of this nature. The class wanted to do something worthwhile with the money, and we thank them for gifting us.”

Graning said most grants are awarded in the amounts of $200 or $300.

“A $1,000 grant will fund three or four grants, and this gift from the Troy High School Class of 1959 will touch hundreds of lives,” she said. “It is an amazing gift and will make a difference in the lives of so many children in ways that we can never imagine.”