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Hancock Education Foundation asks board to support community homecoming parade, charity events and scholarships
Summary
Representatives of the newly expanded Hancock Education Foundation asked the Board of Education for logistical support and permission to promote a community homecoming parade Sept. 8 and to hold a charity basketball tournament in January to raise scholarship funds.
Representatives of the Hancock Education Foundation told the Hancock County Board of Education they are expanding from a high-school-focused group into a countywide nonprofit and requested district support to promote a community homecoming parade and future fundraisers.
A foundation representative said the organization, founded in 2016 at Hancock High School, changed its name in 2024 to include all district schools and intends to stage a homecoming kickoff parade on Monday, Sept. 8. The foundation representative said the parade will be a small, community-focused event in its first year, with a modest float fee to raise funds and plans to include football teams, cheerleaders, dance teams, homecoming court recognition, and opportunities for schools and local businesses to sell merchandise.
"One of the main things I'm here for today is to talk to you about a community parade. That parade will be on Monday, September 8, and it's to kick off homecoming," the foundation representative said.
The foundation also plans a charity basketball tournament in January to honor Michael Baylattner; organizers said they have spoken with Baylattner's family and the family welcomed the idea. The group said funds raised would be used for student scholarships and to cover small immediate needs such as caps and gowns for graduates who cannot afford them.
Foundation leaders said they have met with Fort Lawler (county supervisors) to discuss road closures and will meet with the sheriff to secure final approvals for routing and staffing. The foundation stated it will return on a future board agenda with a formal facilities-use request and paperwork. The group said its volunteer CPA, Johnny Case, is assisting with finances and that the foundation currently lacks funds for an independent audit; the group said audit costs limit its ability to pay for some planned items such as elementary playground equipment.
Board members and staff asked logistical questions about routes, staging areas and crowd control; the foundation said it will meet with county supervisors and the sheriff before returning for final approvals. The foundation confirmed they will submit facility-use paperwork and follow district procedures for school-based fundraising and use of school facilities.
Organizers asked the district for permission to promote the event and to allow schools and student groups to participate and sell items as part of the community-wide event. The board did not take formal action at the meeting; staff said the foundation will be placed on a future agenda with completed paperwork.
The foundation's presentation included a list of past activities the group has funded, including senior awards, underclassmen awards and assistance with caps and gowns for graduates.
The board encouraged the foundation to coordinate with county officials and to return with required documents.
