A new educational foundation will be the “icing on the cake” forassisting Loyd Star students who further themselves academicallyand for improving school facilities, organizers say.

The Loyd Star School Foundation would be open to alumni andfriends who want to help students and the school, said Fred CalcoteJr., who developed the idea of the foundation similar to what somecolleges and universities have.

“Loyd Star’s done a lot for me, and it’s done a lot for you,”Calcote, a 1953 graduate, told a group of about 15 at anorganizational meeting Monday night.

The foundation’s mission includes helping to maintain a learningenvironment, providing financial enrichment over and above theschool administration’s abilities, and creating academic awards tohonor students and teachers. The foundation is already incorporatedwith the Secretary of State’s Office as a non-profitorganization.

“This will be the icing on the cake for Loyd Star,” Calcotesaid.

Calcote said foundation awards could include Student of the Yearor Teacher of the Year, and it could also provide for staffdevelopment and other school needs. School and foundation officialssaid the emphasis will be on academics.

“We want to have a booster club for academics,” said PrincipalTerry Brister while expressing a desire to recognize students fortheir academic accomplishments.

Calcote said foundation activities will not encroach onactivities of other organizations such as the Parent-TeacherAssociation or the basketball, football and band booster clubs.Foundation supporters were optimistic the new organization couldachieve the same level of membership and success as the othergroups.

Activities such as sports and band are good and needed, butthere is a limited number of scholarships available through thoseendeavors, Calcote said. The foundation could provide anotherfinancial academic avenue for students needing assistance inpursuing a college education, he said.

To help get the foundation started, organizers are planning tosell a limited edition print of the original school building, whichwas constructed in 1938. The drawing was done by Myrtle Joe McGeeand 500 prints have been made.

“We’ll only number what we intend to sell,” Calcote said,although the group consensus Monday was that all 500 could besold.

Details of the print sale were still being worked out. Also, anominating committee was formed to name the first members of thefoundation’s board of directors, which will oversee itsactivities.

Membership, which will be open to Loyd Star alumni and friendsof the school, will be $10 a year.

Meeting participants said the foundation was a “great idea.”

“It’s a way for the young people to feel appreciated and show wecare about them,” said J. Ronny Smith, a 1964 graduate. “There is afeeling of community about this school.”

Calcote praised the school administration, staff and studentsand said the foundation would be a great way to help them.

“We’ve got a good group here and we would be foolhardy not to doour best for the children,” Calcote said.

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Anyone interested in joining the Loyd Star School Foundation cancontact the principal’s office at 833-3473.