Swampscott High School has received a significant boost with a total of $7,500 in donations from the Weatherspoon Charitable Foundation. This contribution, announced during the School Committee meeting on October 12, 2023, will support both the Theatre Department and the TV Program, enhancing educational opportunities for students.
Glenn Paster, Vice Chair of the School Committee, highlighted the $7,000 earmarked for the TV Program. The funds will be allocated at the discretion of JoE Douillette, the Media Arts Teacher and Cable TV Coordinator. “The TV Program continues to expand and innovate. As technology evolves, Mr. Douillette remains at the forefront of these changes,” Paster remarked. “This donation will significantly impact our school district.”
During the meeting, Douillette outlined the vital need for new equipment, given the decline in cable revenue affecting budget allocations. “We’re facing a different financial landscape than in the past ten years,” he stated. “This $7,000 is critical for replacing some of the aging TV cameras that were purchased nearly a decade ago.” He emphasized the importance of timely access to funds for replacing outdated equipment, ensuring the program can deliver high-quality content.
Douillette expressed deep appreciation for the Weatherspoon Charitable Foundation. “I believe we will focus this donation on acquiring new cameras,” he said, reflecting on the necessity of maintaining modern technology for students’ learning experiences.
The Weatherspoon Charitable Foundation operates as a family trust dedicated to supporting various non-profit initiatives. Each family member is provided with funding to donate to charitable causes starting at age 18, with increases at ages 21 and 30. This unique model fosters a culture of philanthropy among family members. The individual who contributed the $7,000 to Swampscott High School was once a participant in the school’s TV program from 2015 to 2017. Their donation aims to ensure that future students have the opportunity to benefit from updated resources and enriching experiences.
In addition to the support for the TV Program, the foundation also allocated $500 to the Theatre Department. Paster noted that this funding will help support the production of the annual play or musical, purchase classroom materials, and cover transportation and meals for lower-income students attending Drama Fest. He reiterated his enthusiasm for the contributions, affirming, “Every bit helps. The Weatherspoon Charitable Foundation has been a steadfast supporter of our district for many years, providing substantial funds to various departments.”
The donations reflect a commitment to enhancing educational resources at Swampscott High School, ensuring that students have access to quality programs that foster creativity and learning. The ongoing support from community organizations like the Weatherspoon Charitable Foundation plays a crucial role in sustaining and growing these vital programs.
