Lexington District One recognizes the Lexington One Educational Foundation for 30 years of support
November 11, 2025
During the Lexington County School District One School Board meeting that was held on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, the Lexington One Educational Foundation was recognized for 30 years of support to Lexington District One.
Originally conceived as part of Lexington District One’s first strategic plan, the first official Board of Directors meeting was held on September 17, 1995. The following individuals were recognized as founding board members: James A. Compton, Michael S. Wingard, Michael V. Shealy, Dr. Lon Hamby, and Richard Hook. Mr. Hook was also the foundation’s first wonderful donor with a gift of $1,000!
PHOTO (left to right): Lexington District One Superintendent Dr. Keith Price; School Board Member and former foundation board chair Chris Rice; former foundation board member Roger Kuperman, foundation vice chair Katrina Bryant, retired principal Laura McMahon, foundation executive director Julie Anderson Washburn, current board member Melissa Moore, retired foundation executive director Connie McFarland, past board chair Lisa McMeekin Phillips, current board member Will Salley, former board chair Rosemary Lally Wilson, current board member Chris Shealy, former board member Joyce Carter, retired Asst. Superintendent Dr. Carl Fulmer, executive director of Human Resources Kimberly Freeman, and School Board Member and foundation liaison Nicholas Pizzuti.
Since its inception, the Lexington One Educational Foundation has grown and evolved into an extremely important supportive nonprofit organization to Lexington District One. Each year the foundation provides educational and need-based grants for Lexington District One students, teachers and schools, thanks to donations from caring donors.
Some highlights of the Lexington One Educational Foundation’s accomplishments over the last 30 years include the following awards:
• $567,126 to 735 Lexington District One graduating seniors in college scholarships or grants;
• Establishment of the Lexington District One Virtual School in 2004 thanks to Toyota Motor Manufacturing North America and Michelin North America.
• More than $213,700 in Bucks for Books Grants over the last 9 years to strengthen students’ literacy skills;
• More than $215,000 in Innovation Grants in 11 years to elementary and middle schools for creative, unique learning projects;
• Twenty-one years and $100,000+ invested via Michelin Golden Apple Teacher Grants to support students and classroom learning;
• STEM-focused robotics grants totaling $135,000+ thanks to the foundation’s Board of Directors, Michelin, the Walmart Foundation and other local donors who have chosen to invest in students’ STEM learning;
• Health Fund Grants of over $50,000 to support student health and Lexington District One nurses via spot vision screeners, digital thermometers, and more;
• Twenty-one years of honoring the top academically ranked graduating seniors via the Celebration of Excellence in Education;
• And more than $2.8 million raised in 22 years via the Lexington Emergency/Education Assistance Program for need-based and educational grants.
All of this and more has been possible thanks to the passion and vision of the Lexington One Educational Foundation Board of Directors and staff. Each year they work closely with Lexington District One leaders to identify areas of need where financial grants can have a tremendously positive impact on Lexington One students, teachers and schools.
The foundation’s executive director, Julie Anderson Washburn, shared, “It’s amazing to look back at the impact that the Educational Foundation has had in supporting and shaping the district through the years! We have been extremely fortunate to have dedicated board members leading the organization for many years. They are local leaders who are passionate about serving and supporting the students, teachers and schools in Lexington District One.”
Join the Lexington One Educational Foundation in celebrating 30 years of achievements and grant support to Lexington District One!
About Lexington County School District One Educational Foundation
Established 30 years ago as a 501(c)(3) non-profit, the Lexington One Educational Foundation is a source of growth and support for Lexington County School District One. Our mission is to support the district’s educational programs and enrich the quality of life in the Lexington community by raising and managing funds. Annually, the Foundation’s board, staff and volunteers work to build partnerships with individuals and corporations in order to benefit Lexington District One students, teachers, and schools. We plant seeds in our district that bloom into amazing educational opportunities for our students! To learn more about our mission and how to give, visit: www.Lex1EdFound.org.
