Last Updated on August 29, 2024 9:52 am
Aug. 29, 2024 –Hardin Park, an elementary school in the Watauga County School System that maintains an exceptional children’s program, has a new endowment at the North Carolina Community Foundation that will provide ongoing support.
The endowment was established by Jim Deal in memory of his wife Shelia Tucker Deal. Shelia, pictured, attended Appalachian State University where she received an undergraduate degree in special education and a master’s degree in special education. After teaching in the Caldwell and Watauga County school districts, Shelia became a volunteer at Hardin Park, serving in numerous roles including as president of the PTA.
Hardin Park has a self-contained exceptional children’s program for students who require moderate, severe and more intensive behavior support, and for children with autism. The program also provides classroom services and resources for students with mild disabilities.
“The Sheila Tucker Deal Endowment will aid in ensuring that every student, regardless of their abilities, has the opportunity to thrive,” said Travis Gillespie, Principal of Hardin Park School, “Through this generous support, Hardin Park’s Exceptional Children’s program can continue to provide the resources and care our students need to succeed, both in and out of the classroom.”
Designated endowment funds are established to benefit specific organizations or programs, providing an annual source of income. Endowments like the Shelia Tucker Deal Endowment can support the organization in perpetuity. There are more than 340 designated endowments supporting nonprofit organizations at NCCF.
“I created this endowment to remember and honor Shelia’s legacy and work with children,” said Jim Deal. “And I am grateful that the Watauga County community has responded with an outpouring of support for this endowment.”
To make a donation to the endowment, visit nccommunityfoundation.org/SheliaTuckerDeal.
About the North Carolina Community Foundation
The North Carolina Community Foundation brings together generous people and connects them to causes and organizations they care about, with a focus on inspiring lasting and meaningful philanthropy in the state’s rural communities.
With $400 million in assets, NCCF sustains over 1,200 endowments and partners with donors and a network of affiliates in 60 counties to strengthen our state. By stewarding and growing donors’ gifts, NCCF makes a powerful impact through a robust grants and scholarships program, awarding over $270 million since 1988.
For more information, visit nccommunityfoundation.org.
About Hardin Park Elementary
To learn more about Hardin Park Elementary and its exceptional children department, visit wataugaschools.org/departments/exceptional-children.
