Lower Richland Alumni Foundation Mission Statement
The mission of the Lower Richland Alumni Foundation is to provide support to programs and services that benefit the overall stability, health, education, and economic development of the Lower Richland Community.
About the Lower Richland Alumni Foundation
The Lower Richland Alumni Foundation incorporated itself in February 2017. The initial vision and purpose was to create an organization that would serve as a support and a resource hub for the schools and community of Lower Richland at large working to improve the general overall conditions and quality.
During the first year of inception the Foundation monitored key areas of the community such as the educational system, workforce, medical concerns, affordable housing and quality of life within the area.
During such time priorities of the needs within the community were discussed and plans of implementation and sustainability were created. Since the first year of the Foundations inception a multiplicity of resources and sponsors were identified and activated to begin the work of this organization.
Working with the "Hive"
Bringing Community Graduates Together
A variety of selected graduates of the Lower Richland community high school were identified and brought to the table to discuss community-wide concerns and the role the foundation would play in addressing these concerns from a vested community person’s standpoint. Through these monthly conversations, the need to target key events within the community were brought forth in marketing and branding the foundation’s core purpose. Meetings and discussions were held with local school leaders as well as community leaders to introduce and gather support of the foundation’s existence and mission.
Reviving the Annual Diamond Festival
The foundation resurrected the “Annual Diamond Festival”, a family-oriented and clean air-friendly community event, which was initially launched by Lower Richland graduate Sallie Lakin and continued through the Lower Richland High School PTSA led by Cheryl Harris, who also graduated from Lower Richland High School and served as president during that time.
Supporting Lower Richland High School Graduates
This event alone raised nearly $10,000 in scholarships for graduates of Lower Richland High School which were awarded at the festival held June 2018.
Honoring Alumni Contributions with the AIA Award
During the 2018 festival, Sallie Lakin was the inaugural recipient of the “AIA Award” (Alumni In Action Award), which is one of the highest honors bestowed upon a Lower Richland High School alumnus.
Taking Over the Lower Richland Annual Alumni Tailgate
In addition, the foundation gained oversight of the “Lower Richland Annual Alumni Tailgate,” which continues to be one of the largest alumni-funded and supported events in the midlands.
Diamonds in the Sky
The Foundation launched its first “Lower Richland Alumni Black and Gold Gala” on November 2018.
During the 2019 year the foundation conducted an aggressive Alumni Foundation Membership campaign which served as the initial roll out of the Foundations future goals and objectives to strengthen and build capacity within it’s schools and community at large working to improve the general overall conditions of the community of Lower Richland for our kids.
Who We Are
Lower Richland High School ranks amongst the top 2 schools in scholarship recipients in its district. Students attend colleges across the globe and major in some of the most fascinating areas of study.
The students impressive pedigree has made them very appealing and attractive to major college and universities that allows them to shine and be productive.
The Alumni Foundations ability to help raise scholarship dollars ensure that students that may need additional funding or choose to attend local technical schools have funding to continue their higher educational goals.
We Need Your Support!
“It takes a village to raise a child.”
We are always open to individuals who have something to offer our schools and our children.
The schools within the Lower Richland community offer many volunteer opportunities.
The school district allows for such support after community members undergo a background check, and they can then help to work with our students within our schools.
The foundation is always seeking support, especially from alumni who would like to give back to their community.
