Supporters Gather at the Meyerson for Ann R. Cox Innovation in Education Award Presentation
Alcuin School, a leader in Montessori and International Baccalaureate® education, hosted its third annual Alex Podeszwa Scholarship Luncheon and honored Todd and Abby Williams at the Meyerson Symphony Center on Oct. 25. Mr. and Mrs. Williams were recognized for their longtime commitment to education, Commit2Dallas! and Uplift Education.
Mr. Williams is founding Chairman and Executive Director of The Commit! Partnership, the nation’s largest collective impact organization with over 190 institutions (including 15 school districts and eight higher education institutions educating over 790,000 students) focused together on meaningfully improving post-secondary completion levels across the Dallas/Fort Worth area. He also serves as the Education Policy Advisor to Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings.
The event was highlighted by the presentation of the Ann R. Cox Award for Innovation in Education to Todd and Abby Williams. The Ann R. Cox Award was given by her son Berry Cox in honor of her support of Alcuin School during its early years.
Special guests included Edwin L. Cox, along with his daughter-in-law Jeanne Tower Cox and grandsons, John and Justin. Also acknowledged were the two scholarship recipients for 2018-2019 Zach d’Etienne and Kiara Pellicane-Hart, who attended with their parents.
Brooke and John Cracken served as the luncheon underwriters. Other major sponsors included: MYCON, the ORIX Foundation, Jamie Clark, Glenn Partners, David and Ann Podeszwa, and Dr. Karl and Carolyn Rathjen.
Alcuin's 2017 Scholarship Luncheon benefits students in need of financial assistance via the Alex Podeszwa Legacy Fund. The fund was established in memory of this inspiring Alcuin student who lost his battle against cancer in 2014.
The luncheon drew more than 200 supporters and doubled last year’s total by raising nearly $100,000 for the scholarship fund. The total legacy fund is more than $350,000 which will continue to grow each year to assist deserving students.
“Alex will always embody Alcuin’s spirit and mission,” said Walter Sorensen, Head of School. “His legacy as a compassionate global citizen and big thinker is far-reaching and will provide scholarship assistance and other endowment funding to enrich and enhance the programs that he loved so well during his time at Alcuin.”
About Alcuin School
A vibrant, nurturing, coeducational academic community serving students from toddler to 12th grade, Alcuin School uses the Montessori and International Baccalaureate program methods to foster critical thinking and a lifelong passion for learning. With faculty support, students at Alcuin School are eager to embrace change, question the status quo, and prepare for their future as leaders in a global society. For more information, please visit www.alcuinschool.org.