Businesses recognized for helping schools

By Frances Vanderploeg

Thursday, Oct. 30, 2008 | midnight

After 25 years of helping local businesses and community leaders team with Clark County schools, the School-Community Partnership Program celebrated Oct. 20 with a thank-you breakfast at Green Valley Ranch Resort.

More than 700 businesses and community organizations were invited to attend, Bridget Philips, director of the partnership office said. About 350 people attended.

Different scrolls were placed around the room showing the partnerships, and Stomp Out Loud did a special performance. Silverado High School's chamber choir also performed, along with a surprise performance by Blue Man Group.

"We wanted to thank everyone for their involvement in the schools," Philips said. "It really is amazing what our business and community partners are doing in schools."

Citibank received the Focus School Project Shining Star award, and Station Casinos received the Outstanding Corporation award.

The School-Community Partnership works in conjunction with the Public Education Foundation. The partnership focuses on enrichment opportunities and in-kind donations, such as volunteering time or gifts.

The partnership works with schools to provide mentoring opportunities to teach students about careers. Philips said there are 146 schools that receive help on a regular basis.

Community leaders come out regularly to talk about their jobs, and mentors visit schools on a weekly basis.

"It really runs the gamut from media to community business organizations," she said. "When you start to look at those numbers and see what they're doing, it's amazing."

Frances Vanderploeg can be reached at 990-2660 or [email protected].