GLOUCESTER , MASS. – Gloucester Education Foundation has made a gift of $7,500 to the GHS class of 2021 to support the production costs of Senior Award Night, Senior Prom and Graduation.

“This grant is a departure from the type of projects that GEF normally funds in our schools,” said Aria McElhenny, GEF’s Executive Director, “but this year has been anything but normal, and thanks to our generous community, GEF can be flexible and step up to provide this one-time support where it is needed most. We’re so proud of these kids and the remarkable resilience and strength they’ve shown this past year. They deserve to be celebrated.”

Due to COVID-19 restrictions in the schools this year, opportunities for students to fundraise were limited. According to Dan Fleury, GHS Senior class advisor, the students’ best efforts fell short:
“They raised 2/3 of their goal, but still faced a shortfall. GEF’s willingness to be flexible in what they fund this year has been a tremendous support to the students and teachers of Gloucester Public Schools.”

GEF’s gift will enable every member of the Class of 2021 to attend Prom for free.

“Without an entry fee to prom, we hope to have full participation from our students, which is what this is all about,” said Dan Fleury. “We’d like to see all students break free from the burden and stress of this school year and finally enjoy the celebrations, commendations, and adulations that are synonymous with graduation season. GEF is helping us make that a reality.”