Latest news with #MEEF
Express Tribune
25-05-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Minister Junaid Anwar Chaudhry unveils scholarship initiative for coastal communities
Listen to article Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry has announced the launch of the Maritime Educational Endowment Fund (MEEF) to provide scholarships to coastal communities' deserving and talented children. In a statement on Sunday, Minister Chaudhry stated that the MEEF aims to promote inclusive development by enabling access to quality education for youth from over 70 coastal and fishing communities, particularly in the provinces of Sindh and Balochistan. 'This initiative will help cultivate a skilled maritime workforce essential for the country's future,' he noted. He said the creation of the fund is based on recommendations of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Maritime Affairs, and reflects the government's broader commitment to education-driven empowerment in coastal regions. 'The Maritime Educational Endowment Fund underscores our dedication to sustainable human capital development,' said Junaid Anwar Chaudhry. 'By investing in coastal youth today, we are laying the foundation for a resilient and prosperous maritime sector tomorrow.' To finance the MEEF, the Ministry will restructure Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) contributions from organizations operating under its jurisdiction. This redirection of CSR resources aims to create a centralized and sustainable funding mechanism to support long-term educational opportunities. The Minister also announced the formation of a dedicated oversight committee, responsible for ensuring transparency, equitable scholarship distribution, and strong monitoring and evaluation frameworks. In its initial phase, the MEEF will target students of coastal regions, with plans to expand nationally, enabling more students across the country to benefit from the initiative. 'This initiative represents our vision of an educated, empowered, and thriving maritime community,' the Minister added. Highlighting the urgent need for intervention, Minister Chaudhry cited data from recent education surveys showing school dropout rates exceeding 40% among children in coastal regions—particularly in remote districts of Sindh and Balochistan—due to financial constraints and inadequate educational infrastructure. 'The MEEF is more than just a scholarship programme—it is a strategic investment in the future of Pakistan's maritime sector,' the Minister said. 'It symbolizes our enduring commitment to ensuring that no capable student is left behind due to economic hardship.' The launch of the MEEF marks a critical milestone in the Ministry's broader strategy to uplift coastal populations, enhance educational outcomes, and strengthen Pakistan's maritime potential through targeted investment and opportunity, he added.
Yahoo
02-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Midday Interview: 2025 MCSD Teacher of the Year, Amanda Zarate
COLUMBUS, Ga. () — The Muscogee Educational Excellence Foundation (MEEF) has named Wynnton Arts Academy teacher Amanda Zarate the 2025 MCSD Teacher of the Year. Zarate, a former Army tank track mechanic, was chosen from 54 Teacher of the Year Honorees representing each school in the Muscogee County School District. Zarate's path to teaching has been anything but conventional—but that journey has shaped her teaching approach today. When Zarate transitioned into education, she leaned on the core values that had defined her military service: loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, and personal courage. 'Amanda's connection with her students is truly something special,' said Josh Reynolds, Selection Committee Chair. 'She brings a unique energy and empathy into her classroom that allows students to feel seen, heard, and inspired. Amanda meets each student where they are—with compassion, creativity, and confidence. It's clear she's built a space where students feel safe to express themselves and are empowered to grow. That's what stood out to the committee.' Check out her interview with WRBL's Crystal Whitman in the video player above. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
And the winner of the Muscogee County Teacher of the Year award is . . .
Amanda Zarate, who teaches theater at Wynnton Arts Academy, is the Muscogee County School District 2025 Teacher of the Year. The Muscogee Educational Excellence Foundation, which conducts MCSD's Teacher of the Year program, announced the winner Thursday night during its annual gala. A sellout crowd of more than 1,100 people attended the event in the Columbus Convention & Trade Center. Each year, the staff at every MCSD school may nominate a teacher for this award. This year's 54 nominees were announced in January during a ceremony in Legacy Hall at the RiverCenter for the Performing Arts. MEEF's selection committee, comprising Columbus business and education leaders, evaluated the nominees' applications to narrow the field to 10 semifinalists, announced in March. The committee interviewed the semifinalists to determine three finalists, announced in April as MEEF and MCSD officials made surprise classroom visits. Then, to decide the winner, committee members observed the finalists teaching a lesson. Selection committee chairman Josh Reynolds of TSYS described Zarate's connection with her students as 'truly something special.' 'She brings a unique energy and empathy into her classroom that allows students to feel seen, heard and inspired,' he said in MEEF's news release. 'Amanda meets each student where they are — with compassion, creativity and confidence. It's clear she's built a space where students feel safe to express themselves and are empowered to grow. That's what stood out to the committee.' Selection committee member and MCSD 2023 Teacher of the Year Tasha Morman observed Zarate teaching life skills through theater skills. 'Amanda goes far beyond the stage, using theater as a vessel to teach her students everything from communication and collaboration to confidence and critical thinking.' Zarate, a former U.S. Army tank track mechanic, wrote in her application that she used the Army's values (loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity and personal courage) to inform her teaching philosophy. 'As a theatre educator, my goal is to help students communicate and express themselves through theatre skills,' she wrote. 'I believe all students are capable of achieving great things, regardless of their background. Eight years in, I take immense pride in creating a positive learning environment that engages students while respecting the many different ways they learn.' Originally from Illinois, Zarate came to Columbus as a soldier in the U.S. Army when she was stationed at Fort Benning. Zarate earned bachelor's and master's degrees from Columbus State University. She is in a doctoral program there. It's a big change from working as a tank mechanic in the Army, where she was a specialist when was honorably discharged after four years of service. Initially thinking she would become a theater performer, Zarate decided to become a theater teacher so she could have more stable working hours to be more available for her son as a single mother. Zarate first wanted to teach in a high school, but she now enjoys 'all the hugs' her K-5 students give her. 'I didn't realize the amount of love and attention that the students at this level needed,' she told the Ledger-Enquirer last month, when she was announced as a finalist for this award. Zarate cherishes her career's journey. 'I think I'm still going,' she said. 'I just feel grateful to be able to share my ideas and to help teachers feel heard, help students feel heard. … There are so many grownups that don't know how to communicate. If I could help kids at this age feel like they can communicate better with their thoughts, their emotions, their ideas, then I've done something.' During her acceptance speech Thursday night, Zarate told the crowd she grew up in a situation similar to the disadvantaged home life many of her students struggle to overcome. 'Waiting on food stamps every month to get decent food in the house,' she said. 'Devouring the breakfast pizza in elementary school because it was free. Wearing my brother's hand-me-down clothes. . . . Trying to keep my one pair of school shoes nice the whole year.' Zarate used to be embarrassed about those circumstances. 'Now, I own my childhood,' she said. 'It's my strongest tool I have to connect with my students.' Connecting with her students in the fully committed way she feels they deserve, Zarate acknowledged, means sacrificing time elsewhere in her life, such as attending her son's activities or submitting her doctoral coursework on time. 'If I'm excelling at one thing, then something else is lacking,' she said. '. . . I am still learning, and I am still reaching for things to help make me a better person in every facet of my life.' Zarate addressed her son, Liam, 'my sweet boy,' as she apologized for missing his 'school plays, awards days and little moments that I'll never get back. 'I'm so sorry. Please know that no award, no recognition, will ever come before you in my heart. I love you, and I'm learning to manage my time better so I can show up more — for you.' Zarate also spoke as a advocate for the arts in education. 'The arts are not a side note in education; they're a heartbeat,' she said. 'In my classroom, students learn to express themselves, collaborate, take creative risks and build confidence. They find their voice, and they realize that their presence — their very existence — matters. 'That is the power of the arts. And this moment, this honor, is not just about me; it's about the value of arts education in every corner of our district.' During the gala, the nominees received a framed certificate of recognition and $100. The semifinalists received $500, and the finalists received $1,000. As the winner, Zarate received $5,000. 'We are especially grateful to our generous supporters who enable MEEF to reward and recognize exceptional teachers,' foundation chairman Wes Kelley of Brasfield & Gorrie said in the news release. The MCSD Teacher of the Year program sponsors are: W.C. Bradley Company Kinetic Credit Union Synovus This WORKS Chancelight Brasfield & Gorrie Janet Davis Hughston Clinic Hecht Burdeshaw Architects TSYS Virtucom Colony Bank Columbus State University Columbus Water Works Freeman & Associates Hall Booth Smith Hughston Clinic Muscogee Retired Educators Association Outfront Media Bill Reaves Robinson, Grimes & Company Spud Bowen & Associates MEEF is a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering educational excellence by helping teachers who are innovative and exceptionally effective in the public schools of Columbus. Since it was established 29 years ago, the foundation has awarded more than $3.3 million to such educators through financial incentives in the Teacher of the Year program, the MEEF Grant program, the MEEF Endowment Fund and the Harvard Fellows program. MEEF's 2025 Teacher of the Year selection committee members are: Josh Reynolds (chairman) of TSYS/Global Payments Vanessa Ellis, MCSD 2022 Teacher of the Year Michael Graydon of Synovus Sheryl Green, MCSD 2015 Teacher of the Year John Dale Hester of Columbus United FC Marquette McKnight of Media, Marketing and More Tasha Morman, MCSD 2023 Teacher of the Year John Pezold of Whit's Frozen Custard Gina Smith of Keller Williams Ty Webb of W.C. Bradley Company.
Yahoo
08-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Muscogee County Schools chooses teacher of the year finalists
COLUMBUS, Ga. () — The Muscogee County School District has chosen the top three honorees for the Muscogee Educational Excellence Foundation (MEEF) Teacher of the Year Program. According to a post from Muscogee County Schools, MEEF recognizes teachers who have dedicated themselves to excellence in the classroom. The finalists are: Eretha Hamilton – Double Churches Middle School Charles Repass – Jordan Vocational College and Career Academy Amanda Zarate – Wynnton Arts Academy The 2025 Teacher of the Year will be announced at a gala on Thursday, May 1st. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
