NIXA
EDUCATION
FOUNDATION'S
2018-19 IMPACT
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The Nixa Education Foundation (NEF) strives to make an impact in Nixa,
existing to support its children, schools, and community as a whole.
Throughout this year, NEF has has expanded its influence, holding important
events and raising money to give back to the students in Nixa.
NEF’s murder mystery dinner took place on February 9 and was themed as a
"The Not So Newlywed Murder." The fundraising dinner had approximately 80
people in attendance and took place at Greenhouse Two Rivers in
Highlandville. “The Not So Newlywed Murder” was written by Murder All
Around owner Patrick Schuster and starred Nixa High School Theatre teachers
Allison Fleetwood and Cory Glenn. According to Kathy Whitworth, NEF board
member, the dinner raised $5,000, which went towards grants that were given
to teachers at the NEF Gala on May 3. It was a “great evening with lots of fun
and laughter,” said Whitworth. NEF hopes to continue the fundraising dinner
in 2020.
On May 3, NEF put on its 10th annual NEF Gala at the DoubleTree Convention
Center in Springfield.
At the gala, many were spotlighted and awarded, acknowledging all of the
excellence that makes up the people who have committed their lives and
careers to education and to Nixa. “There’s a lot of effort that goes into
educating our children, and the impact that good education has is almost
immeasurable,” said Jeff Allen, NEF Board President.
“Tonight is a celebration of all that you do,” Allen said, addressing the
audience. “You’ve fostered the learning ability of each student to accomplish
his or her dreams. You do make a difference.”
The NEF Board of Directors and Advisory Council were acknowledged during
the event to thank them for their dedication and hard work shown by all of the
awards and donations and how they wouldn’t have been possible without them.
Allison Fleetwood and Cory Glenn were spotlighted for their performance
during the mystery dinner and how their efforts helped raise the monty needed
for giving back to the community and the classrooms. Sponsors for the event
and everyone who work behind the scenes, from the scriptwriter to the
photographer, were thanked for all of their hard work.
The Service to Education Award was presented to Virginia Fry and was
accepted by her family�� and the Educational Achievement Award was
presented to Dr. Cindy Owens. Years of service in increments of five years
were also recognized at the event to several members of the Nixa Public
Schools staff.
PAGE 20 EAGLE EXPRESS�� | SUMMER 2019