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Lowndes County Public Schools (LCPS) hosted its annual Donor Appreciation Luncheon on Friday, May 16, honoring the incredible individuals, organizations and partners who fueled the success of the 4-5 STEM Program throughout the 2024–2025 academic year. 

Held at noon, the elegant luncheon featured heartfelt acknowledgements from LCPS Superintendent Samita Jeter, an invocation by Freda Fountain and dynamic student perspectives that captured the impact of the program. 

Susan Butts, Lowndes County Public Schools education specialist, led the awards presentation and acknowledgements, recognizing both financial donors and those whose physical presence and in-kind support made the year’s success possible. 

Thanks to generous donations, the district offered an impressive slate of STEM events that impacted students across grades K–12: 

Districtwide Math Night (November 20, 2024) – Hosted at Hayneville Middle School, this interactive evening was facilitated by Mathnasium of Montgomery, providing hands-on, family-friendly math fun. 

* Districtwide Science Fair (February 4) – Held at Central High School for students in grades 6–12, showcasing original research, creativity, and critical thinking; 

* Greater East Alabama Regional Science & Engineering Fair (March 14 – Students advanced to Auburn University at Montgomery (AUM) to compete at the regional level; 

* Elementary Districtwide Math Bowl (March 5) – Hosted at Lowndes Middle School, students engaged in friendly, academically rigorous competition; 

* Secondary Districtwide Math Bowl (March 6) – Middle and high school teams competed in complex problem-solving challenges; and

* Culminating STEM Field Trip (April 30) – An all-expense-paid experience to the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville and Dave & Buster’s in Birmingham for 178 students and 50 chaperones who participated in either the Science Fair or Math Bowl. Every student and chaperone received a free STEM T-shirt to commemorate their participation and achievement. Students also received breakfast bags, lunch at Galaxy Grill and dinner at Dave & Busters with a $20.00 play card. 

“These events were more than educational activities — they were transformational experiences,” Butts said. 

This was further emphasized by the words of two Jackson-Steele Elementary School participants that addressed the donors. 

Olivia Johnson said, “I stand before you to celebrate a subject that shapes our world in ways we might not realize – Mathematics.”

In addition, Kyleigh Aliece Hyde said, “Overall, the experience was a very educational and fun time”. 

Financial Donors Recognized 

The following community sponsors provided generous funding totaling $45,100 to make these events possible: 

* Lowndes County Commission 

* Lowndes County Economic Development Commission 

* Hayneville Telephone Company 

* Senator Robert Stewart 

* Alabama Power Company 

* SABIC 

* First Citizens Bank 

* Lily Missionary Baptist Church 

* BJ Auto (Fort Deposit) 

* Imago Dei Church at the 45 

Reid Deason, one of the SABIC engineers present, said, “The support that the Lowndes County Board of Education gives to the STEM program has created an environment for students to thrive in education that benefits all our futures. Watching guys and girls across all grades and stages of life take up a passion for what we do at SABIC gives us confidence that the upcoming generations of STEM professionals will not only excel in academics but foster a better world for the future.” 

In-Kind Supporters Partners 

These individuals and organizations along with employees of the Lowndes County Public School System donated time, expertise, equipment and hands-on assistance throughout the year: Lowndes County Highway Department; Office of Mathematics Improvement (OMI); Alabama Math, Science, and Technology Initiative (AMSTI); Lowndes County Sheriff Department; MidSouth RC & D; Pioneer Electric; ASU Inservice Center (Dr. Hodge & Dr. Asberry); Lenard Means (Boeing Engineer); Dr. Stephen Walker (Alabama Technology In Motion), Kaneka Threatt (Lowndes County Career Technical Center); McWane Science Center and the Alabama National Guard.

These partners showed up not just with resources — but with time, talent, and a shared belief in the power of STEM education to transform lives. 

Grants were awarded to the 4-5 STEM Program from MidSouth RC& D and Pioneer Electric above and beyond the monetary allotment above. These grants enabled each elementary school to receive drones and each middle school to receive supplementary material for Ozobots. 

“Our donors didn’t just give financially—they gave heart, presence, and passion.I would like to give a heartfelt thank you to the unwavering commitment of our community champions who are lighting the path for the next generation of innovators” Butts said.