Events
Annual Event
11th Annual Celebration Event
Every year, the foundation hosts its annual Celebration Event, a night of recognition for all that our teachers, administrators, and community do to help support education in East Aurora. This annual event serves as the foundation’s primary annual fundraiser, and is our opportunity to recognize all of the individuals and businesses which have contributed to foundation efforts over the past year. The event is hallmarked by the presentation of the prestigious James Ford Commitment to Education Award.
This year’s event was held on Thursday, October 5th at The Bank of East Aurora.
2022 Celebration Event Committee
2020 Ford Awardee and Former Awardees
James Ford Commitment to
Education Award
Created in memory of one of the founding fathers of the foundation, Dr. James Ford, this prestigious award is presented annually to the person, organization, or group who best exemplifies the following qualities exhibited by Dr. Ford:
- Commitment to the betterment of education in East Aurora
- Persistent dedication to the cause
- Creative and original thinking
- Involvement in community life
In a community full of selfless individuals committed to the betterment of their community, the Commitment to Education Award is one way the foundation highlights the contributions of those who have dedicated their life to education, and the service of others.
To submit a nomination for James Ford Commitment to Education Award, send letters outlining nominee’s qualities to:
East Aurora Educational Foundation
430 Main Street
East Aurora NY, 14052
Or email to [email protected]
Past recipients:
2023 – Catherine Warda-Bender
2022- Brian Serwicki
2021 – Recognition of the East Aurora School/Community Partnership
2020 – Rich Clements
2019 – Kimberly McAtee
2018 – Peg Fletcher
2017 – Tom Kegler
2016 – Christopher Cummins
2015 – Kim Crowley-Browne
2014 – Alison Hyde
2013 – Dr. James Hoagland, Jr.
Help support the East Aurora Educational Foundation by making a donation today!
Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame Event
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2023 INDUCTEES INTO THE EAST AURORA HIGH SCHOOL DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI HALL OF FAME
Like the administration of the Keller Memorial Scholarship, the foundation acts in partnership with the school district on the East Aurora Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame. Each year, the East Aurora School District recognizes up to five (5) nominees.
Eligibility for nomination and selection may include any or all of the following criteria:
- Excellence in their chosen field
- Outstanding service to their community (local, regional or national level)
- Contributions to humanity (local, regional or national level)
Commemorative plaques are presented to each honoree and displayed at East Aurora High School. Inductees are invited to be guests of honor at a special assembly to speak to high school students.
The selection committee and nomination process are managed by the foundation. Nominations remain in consideration for two years. Candidates will be notified in the fall that they will be receiving the award at the induction ceremony and assembly to be held the following spring.
Nomination Guidelines:
- Anyone may submit a nomination.
- Nominees must have graduated from East Aurora High School at least ten years prior to their nomination.
- Nominations may be submitted for posthumous awards.
- Those currently seeking election to a political office cannot be considered.
- Nominations must be submitted on the Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame Nomination Form and may include additional supporting information and materials. Additional materials will not be returned.
- Nominations must be submitted by October 15 to be considered for the following year.
PAST INDUCTEES
2020
(inducted in 2022)
Janet Coletti ‘81
Dawn Flynn ‘85
Adam Kampff ‘98
JR Seeger ‘ 72
Bob Vidler ‘42 & Ed Vidler ‘46
(Posthumously)
2019
Dr. Rhonda Cornum ‘71
Dr. Timothy O’Connell’ 86
Richard S. Persons, Sr. 1894
(Posthumously)
Rob Shanahan ‘78
Lee Woodruff ‘78
2018
John Arlotta ‘67
Barbara Chur ‘ 62
Neil Chur ’62
(posthumously)
Taylor Dewey ‘99
Stacia George ‘95
Kristen Holtz ‘90
2017
John Crawford Cline ‘63
Nancy Logan Montone ‘81
James F. Norton, M.D. ‘36
(Posthumously)
Gary D. Schutrum ‘78
