The Peachjar Extra Credit Award Goes To...

Bear River High School received the Peachjar Extra Credit Award this year amongst a myriad of submissions from Box Elder School District in Utah.  On Thursday, December 7, Matthew Jennings, Peachjar’s Community Partner Manager, headed to Bear River High School to meet with their team and present a check for $1,000 to Bear River's principal A.J. Gilmore. Fun fact about Bear River—Apart from their commitment to their community, they also have an award-winning robotics program. 

Pictured from left to right: Keith Mecham, Matthew Jennings, A.J. Gilmore, Clay Chournos, Taylor Jackson

2024 marks the 2nd year of the Peachjar Extra Credit Award and the award is given to an individual school who does an exemplary job engaging with their community for the betterment of their students and families. Our goal is to highlight and celebrate schools as they do what they do best: support students and create a safe, effective, and fun learning environment. 

In the fall, we sent out an email to our school district contacts asking for nominations for schools and examples of how they connected with their communities. What we got back amazed us! Here’s just a couple of examples: 

"North Park Elementary is a school full of caring teachers and staff, as well as incredible students. Many of our teachers, staff and students are involved in other aspects of our small community. Singing, dancing, football, baseball, soccer, 4H and swim team are just a few of the many activities our students and staff are involved in. This year we have a new principal who has already gone above and beyond to improve the morale of our school, with recognition and activities for the students and the staff. 
Our school recently participated in a day of service in September 11th where we had many members of our community participate to help improve the playground area of our school." —Helen Keller Elementary School, Royal Oak Schools.

"John F. Kennedy Elementary has consistently demonstrated an unwavering dedication to creating an inclusive and nurturing atmosphere where students, staff, parents, and the broader community feel valued, supported, and safe. Their exceptional efforts in this regard have had a profound and lasting impact on the lives of those connected with the school. One of the most remarkable aspects of John F. Kennedy Elementary's approach is their commitment to collaboration and effective communication. The school recognizes that building a safe and caring environment is not the sole responsibility of educators but is a collective effort that requires the involvement of the entire community."—John F.Kennedy Elementary School, Desert Sands Unified School District

"...Indio High School has played a pivotal role in reigniting school pride within our community. By fostering an environment where students, teachers, and parents feel a deep sense of connection to the institution, Indio High School has breathed new life into the spirit of our community. Their efforts in organizing events, celebrations, and community outreach programs have not only strengthened the school's ties with the local community but have also instilled a renewed sense of pride among all stakeholders. The use of social media to highlight student activities  has promoted a strong sense of connection and pride in students and families and has resulted in many community activities and events being hosted for the City on the campus."—Indio High School, Desert Sands Unified School District

Thank you again to everyone who participated, we love seeing examples of communities thriving and school districts excelling at connecting families and student to what matters most. We think Matthew says it best: “there’s no better way than to give back to the very schools that have given so much to us over the years.” 

Congratulations again to the Bear River Bears! We can't wait to see who next year's recipient will be.