It’s about time! Who has time? I need more time! However you express it, time is a valuable commodity that feels like a scarcity for many of us more often than not. As hard as we try to stretch it, there are only 24 hours in the day, which makes how we choose to prioritize and utilize our time so significant.
This month we’re featuring three people who have gifted their time in understated ways that pay significant dividends to the people who benefit from it. Each program that these individuals lead is in partnership with the Thompson Education Foundation (TEF), a 501(c)3, that provides educational opportunities to students and teachers in the Thompson School District.
SHEER KINDNESS
Dr. Stan Sheer, former superintendent of Thompson School District, had a heart for supporting people in direct and indirect ways that were usually discreet and did not draw attention.
Sadly, Dr. Sheer passed away suddenly in December 2020, but his legacy of generosity has continued through the establishment of the Dr. Stan Sheer Memorial Student Opportunity Fund. The program provides support for individual students who have a personal financial need related to a TSD approved or sponsored program, activity, or opportunity.
“Dr. Sheer was known for making time to support others,” says Kim Akeley - Charron, TEF Executive Director. “He cared about the social and emotional success of staff and students.” Time and again he would quietly observe in the background and notice when a student or teacher had a financial need. He would literally reach into his own pocket and give what was needed. Taking the time to be generous was part and parcel to who he was.
The Dr. Stan Sheer Memorial Student Opportunity Fund aims to fill the gap when other funding sources are not available. Examples of support provided in the fund’s inaugural year include marching band fees, sports equipment costs, and the purchase of letter jackets. Each provision represents a tangible way to recognize and celebrate a student’s accomplishment, or to inspire passion and personal growth. Any TSD district, school, or coaching staff can complete the online application in support of a student with a financial need. For more information or to make a donation, go to www.thompsontef.org/donate.
Dr. Stan Sheer Memorial Student Opportunity Fund
thompsontef.org/scheer-student-opportunity-fund
PROMPTED TO DO SOMETHING
Tracy Roller loves to shop for prom wear with her teenagers. In fact, she thinks every young person should have the experience of getting dressed up for a fun and memorable night and going to prom. She’s also conscious of how expensive prom can be and that the cost may prohibit some students from participating. That’s why, after seeing a free prom dress program offered in Denver, she thought, “someone should really do this in Loveland!”
Apparently, she was the someone who was up for the task of giving her time to offer free dresses, tuxedos, and accessories to teens who can’t otherwise afford it. In spring 2020, Roller instituted Project Prom (www.projectpromcolorado.com), a fund under the auspices of TEF.
As you can imagine, Roller put a lot of leg work into collecting and organizing nearly 2,000 dresses and menswear items for the program. She hopes that as awareness increases, Project Prom will become a permanent fixture in the Loveland community.
Teens can peruse the inventory by calling or emailing to make an appointment. She’s also leaning towards a one-day event in the spring of 2022 dedicated to teens in need of prom attire.
The new and gently used dresses and accessories are donated from individuals and from Bella, another dress organization in the Denver area. Donations of dresses, accessories, and cash are welcomed, and as Roller says, “even very small donations help.”
Tracy Roller
Project Prom
www.projectpromcolorado.com
DOUBLE TIME
It’s one thing to do your job, but putting in the time and effort to go the extra mile is extraordinary. Kyle Freesen, Director of Bands and Music Department Chairperson at Loveland High School, has an eye for identifying extra opportunities that his students may not otherwise experience.
Freesen is passionate about giving his students avenues to develop leadership skills and a sense of community that they can take with them beyond high school. Whether it’s arranging a masterclass led by professional conductors, or planning a leadership development camp for the program’s 25 person student leadership team, Freesen takes time to help his students grow. Many of the excellent opportunities he assembles are afforded through the TEF Encounters with Music Fund which provides financial support for music programs throughout the Thompson School District.
Freesen also sees to it that every student feels like they are part of the team. “Twenty percent of our students would not be able to cover the costs to participate,” says Freesen. These students contribute by fundraising, and support from entities like the Dr. Stan Sheer Memorial Student Opportunity Fund, helps fill the gap.
The skill and character-building experiences that Freesen procures for his students appear to pay off. The Loveland HS Crimson Regiment Marching Band recently won the 2021 4A State Championship for the second year in a row. “We are thankful for a supportive booster club, district, and community that supports these students through the arts,” says Freesen.
Kyle Freesen
Director of Bands & Music Department Chairperson
Loveland High School