Bernadette Gordier Scholarship Fund Established
The Battle Creek Public Schools Educational Foundation (BCPSEF) is pleased to announce a joint venture to establish the Bernadette Gordier Scholarship Fund. The new fund, formed in conjunction with the Battle Creek Educational Secretaries (BCES) and Battle Creek Education Association (BCEA), will award annually to Battle Creek Public Schools Educational Support Professionals (secretaries, paraprofessionals, literacy tutors, bilingual tutors, maintenance, food service) who wish to attend a teacher preparatory program. It is named for the late Bernadette Gordier, who dedicated more than 54 years of service to Battle Creek Central High School students, staff, and community members.
“If you met Bernie, you loved Bernie,” said Lynn Ward Gray, vice president of the Battle Creek Public School Education Foundation. “As we and the community have been the recipients of her support and service over the years, it was important to our organizations to come together and honor her memory in a special way.”
BCEA President Dr. Anthony Pennock shared, “Bernie was the bedrock of our schools for many generations. Everyone loved her, and this fund will give back to BCPS in her honor.”
“Bernie’s presence will forever be missed. We will never have another like her,” added BCES President Sarah Garrett.
5th Annual Bearcat Back To School Tailgate: Friday, September 17
The scholarship is one of several slated to benefit from proceeds of the 5th Annual Bearcat Back to School Tailgate. It will be held from 5-7 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 17, 2021, on the Spirit Field, outside of Battle Creek Central High School at 100 W. Van Buren St. The event takes place just prior to the Battle Creek Central football rivalry game against Lakeview High School. There is no fee to attend the tailgate and no RSVP is necessary.
The organizations are requesting sponsorships and donations to contribute to the scholarship funds. If attending, please bring a lawn chair. Masks and social distancing also are encouraged. The event will feature grilled hot dogs, various sides, and desserts (while they last) along with entertainment, fun yard games, and chances to win prizes.
Proceeds from past tailgates total nearly $50,000 and have helped 10 scholarship funds reach awarding levels. The success of the most recent tailgate in 2019 led to the creation of the Always a Bearcat fund, which assists students already enrolled in higher education institutions.
Donations are being accepted now online at bccfoundation.org/bearcattailgate.
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More information is available by contacting BCPSEF President Laura Ash at 269-967-9365 or by email at laura.l.ash64@gmail.com.
