Volunteer Appreciation Spotlight: Jacqueline Griffith
FAmily, we’d like to introduce Jacqueline Griffith, Foundation Academies’ new Board of Trustees President and longtime volunteer. Recently, we had an opportunity to sit and chat with Jacqui to ask her a few key questions about her experience with Foundation Academies.
- What do you like most about volunteering at Foundation Academies?
For me, it’s always about the kids. I’m always so blown away when I meet and interact with the students at Foundation Academies. The students here have a really mature external awareness; a willingness to help others and contribute to the greater good, and those who visit and volunteer often pick up on that wonderful energy. The students are engaged and interested in so many things outside of themselves. From my experience, that’s just not the norm with high school kids. I love volunteering here because it’s an impressive organization, and personally, I feel very aligned with the principal mission of the school; it’s a fundamental part of who I am. Growing up, my father instilled in me his philosophy of “it doesn’t matter who you are or where you come from, everyone deserves an excellent education,” and really, that’s what Foundation’s mission is all about. - Why do you choose to support our school?
I’ve supported other schools in the past and have not had an experience as positive as the one I’ve had here by any stretch of the imagination. It’s very unique here, and I have to say the caliber of people here is really remarkable. Once you become connected to the school and see and experience the great work that’s being done here, you honestly can’t help but become passionate about it. When you see the way staff lovingly dedicates themselves to their students’ success, it really motivates you to want to “be on the team,” so to speak. I am so grateful for my experiences here, and for being able to see the importance of this school and the difference it makes in this community. I’ve personally gained so much by being here, and I look forward to what the future holds for Foundation Academies. - Why do you think others should support Foundation Academies?
Foundation Academies’ results prove that their educational methods are working. There’s a good energy here, a solid administration, a mission that people are committed to and passionate about, and all the building blocks are solidly in place. Are there ways we can improve? Certainly. With an educational institution, growth is always the name of the game. In today’s world, you can sometimes feel powerless. If you’re feeling like this, I’d like to suggest that you think on a smaller, one-to-one scale. By supporting Foundation Academies – either as a volunteer or as a donor – you can have a lasting, positive impact. It’s highly likely that once you meet and get to engage with Foundation’s amazing students, your first visit here won’t be your last.
Jacqui Griffith grew up in the Philadelphia area and graduated from Barnard College with a degree in American Studies. She earned an M.S.S. from Bryn Mawr College and worked for many years as a clinical social worker, specializing in the field of child and adolescents. She also holds a Master of Letters from Drew University. Jacqui and her husband live in New Hope, PA and have two adult children. Jacqui is a community volunteer and has been active on several boards in Philadelphia and Bucks County.
Thank you for your dedication and support, Jacqui. We sincerely appreciate you!
If you’d like to get involved as a volunteer, click the button below to get started. Our scholars look forward to welcoming you!
Michelle Lawlor, Marketing and Communications Associate, spearheads Foundation Academies’ marketing and communication efforts. Born and raised in Trenton, New Jersey, Michelle holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism/Multimedia Communications from Rider University.