Parent Teacher Magazine Union County Public Schools September 2014 | Page 12

Benton Heights Elementary
School of the Arts has been
awarded $2,000 by a local
business, money that will be
used for its students.
JoAnn Fabric, America’s
largest fabric store, gifted the
money May 29, 2014, during
its grand opening ceremony at
Monroe Mall.
JoAnn Fabric District Manager
Brian Duffy said the money was
part of the Inspired To Help
Program. It was presented to the
school’s arts coordinator Frank
Casstevens.
“When we open new stores
in a community, we want to be
part of the community so we
select a local elementary school,
and present them a check for
$2,000 to help them in whatever
way they feel would best fit the
students,” Duffy said.
Duffy, who said he formerly
served on a public school board,
said he knows how additional
funds can help in tight budget
times.

10 • Sept/Oct 2014 • Parent Teacher Magazine 

BHESA receives $2,000 from local business

JoAnn Fabric District Manager Brian Duffy, at left,
presents Benton Heights Elementary School of the Arts
teacher Frank Casstevens a check for $2,000.

Casstevens said he was
thrilled that his school was
selected to receive the money.
“We will be using the funds for
all of our arts programing and
for things that will enhance
and enrich our students in the
beginning of the next school
year.”
He added that he hopes to
make the store a strong part
of the school’s network, as it
provides classes and workshops
that could be used by students in
the future.
“JoAnn’s will be a perfect fit
for our A+ school as we strive
to integrate arts throughout our
campus,” he said.
--This article was written by Deb
Coates Bledsoe and provided
courtesy of the Communications
Office of the Union County Public
Schools.