Our Foundation

A Letter From Our Board President

Colleagues and Friends:

Providing quality education for every student in the Cherokee County School District is the foundation of a thriving community. The Cherokee County Educational Foundation (CCEF), a dedicated nonprofit of passionate volunteers, remains steadfast in this mission—partnering with our schools to deliver essential resources that sustain educational excellence.

As Board President, I extend sincere thanks to our donors, volunteers, and supporters. Your commitment is vital: it powers Impact Grants that empower teachers to innovate and inspire, funds professional development, supports standards-based programs in arts, sciences, math, and special education, and celebrates our outstanding Teacher of the Year, Partner of the Year, and Volunteer of the Year.

I am honored to serve on the Board since 2012 and proud to lead Northside Hospital Cherokee, an organization deeply committed to education. We participate in the Foundation because strong schools foster healthier, more resilient communities. By investing in our students and educators today, we help build the compassionate leaders of tomorrow—strengthening families, businesses, and healthcare right here in Cherokee County.

Please join us in supporting CCEF events like the Celebration of Education Gala, Sporting Clays Classic, Golf and Pickleball Classic, and the Cherokee County Chick-fil-A 5k Race. These gatherings raise critical funds while uniting our community to celebrate achievements and amplify impact.

I have full confidence in CCEF’s transparency and efficiency—every dollar maximizes benefits for our schools. Together, let’s keep our commitment strong and ensure a bright future for our students, teachers, and community.

With gratitude,

Billy Hayes
Northside Hospital Cherokee, CEO
Cherokee County Educational Foundation, Board President

A Letter From Our Superintendent

Dear CCEF friends,

Thank you for everything you do to lift up our schools, students, and staff. Over the past year, I’ve had so many wonderful conversations with teachers, employees, and families — and one message shines through every time: deep appreciation for the incredible champions of public education in our community. And that, of course, means you.

The pride our community takes in our schools is something truly special. Together, we’re helping our students reach new heights — learning more, growing more, and achieving more each day. The Cherokee County Educational Foundation plays a huge role in making that happen. Your dedication as board members, sponsors, volunteers, and donors inspires us all to elevate the excellence and move our mission forward.

Each year, the foundation’s advocacy and fundraising make a world of difference. The grants you provide — thousands of dollars invested right into classrooms and programs — spark creativity and fuel innovation for our students. As a former teacher, I can only imagine how much it would have meant to see one of my classroom dreams come true through the foundation. It’s such a joy to visit schools and hear teachers share how your support has turned their ideas into reality.

You also help us shine a light on the amazing people who make our district such a wonderful place to learn and work. From welcoming new teachers through TEAM Cherokee to honoring our Teachers of the Year, Support Staff Employees of the Year, and Retiring Legends, your generosity helps us celebrate the milestones and memories that shape our school family.

And your support doesn’t stop there. The foundation helps bring our entire community to the table — encouraging families, local businesses, and partners to get involved in meaningful ways. Whether you’re rallying support for a fundraiser or helping recognize our Partners and Volunteers of the Year, you’re always ready to join us in celebrating successes.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for your kindness, your passion, and your steadfast support. You are the heartbeat of our community’s commitment to education, and we are so grateful to have you by our side every step of the way.

Mary Elizabeth Davis
Superintendent, Cherokee County School District

A Letter From Our Executive Director

Dear Friends and Supporters,

Since its inception in 2012, the Cherokee County Educational Foundation (CCEF) has worked to ensure that the students, teachers, and staff of the Cherokee County School District have access to the resources and innovations needed to maintain excellence in our public schools. Strong public schools form the backbone of a thriving community—attracting families, strengthening our local economy, inspiring business growth, and enhancing the quality of life for everyone who calls Cherokee County home.

It is hard to believe I am already beginning my ninth year with the Foundation. I remain inspired daily by the incredible support and generosity of this community. Your contributions have fueled our success, allowing CCEF to expand our events, increase our impact, and fund more initiatives each year. You are not only supporters, but partners in our mission to elevate education in Cherokee County, and we are deeply grateful for your continued commitment.

We were incredibly proud to provide a $500 New Teacher Supply grant to each of the 294 new full-time certified hires in our school district. That $147,000 grant, made possible by the Jason T. Dickerson Family Foundation, is an excellent perk for attracting top talent and ensuring that new teachers don’t have to come out of their own pockets to equip a classroom. In the first half of this school year, CCEF has awarded more than 67 Rapid Grants and 16 Classroom Impact Grants and has provided over $100,000 in funding for district-wide initiatives, including Support Staff of the Year, New Teacher Recruitment, and the Elementary and Middle School Academic Bowls. These programs directly impact students, teachers, and staff, creating meaningful opportunities for growth, learning, and recognition throughout our schools.

With gratitude,

Lisa-Marie Haygood
Executive Director
Cherokee County Educational Foundation