Swampscott High School has received a generous donation of $7,500 from the Weatherspoon Charitable Foundation, announced during the School Committee meeting on Thursday. The funds are designated to support both the Theatre Department and the school’s TV Program, enhancing educational opportunities for students.
Glenn Paster, Vice Chair of the School Committee, highlighted that $7,000 of the donation will specifically benefit the high school’s TV Program. Media Arts Teacher and Cable TV Coordinator, JoE Douillette, will oversee the allocation of these funds. Paster expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “The TV Program continues to expand. It continues to do really new and exciting things. As technology changes, Mr. Douillette is on the cutting edge of that. The $7,000 goes a very long way in our school district.”
Douillette elaborated on the significance of the donation, particularly in light of budget constraints. “As we’re doing budgets for both the schools and the town, and we’re watching cable revenue drop, I’m realizing that I’m not in the same position that I had been for the past 10 years,” he explained. He noted that the funds will be crucial for replacing outdated equipment, stating, “I imagine that’s what we’ll use the donation for, to replace the TV cameras.”
Douillette expressed gratitude for the foundation’s support, emphasizing the importance of updated equipment to maintain quality programming. He conveyed that the timing of the donation is perfect for the program’s needs.
Support for the Theatre Department
In addition to the TV Program, the Weatherspoon Charitable Foundation also contributed $500 to the Theatre Department. This funding will assist with the production of the annual play or musical, as well as cover materials for classroom instruction and transportation for lower-income students traveling to Drama Fest.
Paster reiterated his appreciation for the foundation’s ongoing support, noting that any contribution is significant. “The foundation has been a supporter of the district for many years, and it’s given significant dollars to various departments within the district. It’s just incredible, and we’re so thankful for what they do,” he remarked.
The Weatherspoon Charitable Foundation operates as a family trust dedicated to supporting various non-profit organizations and institutions. Each family member receives a funding amount to donate to non-profits of their choice, increasing at different life stages. The individual responsible for the $7,000 donation was a participant in the high school’s TV program from 2015 to 2017. Their contribution aims to ensure that current students have access to updated equipment and resources, fostering meaningful experiences similar to their own.
The collaboration between Swampscott High School and the Weatherspoon Charitable Foundation highlights the positive impact of community support on educational programs, ensuring that students have the tools they need to succeed.
