Public Education Foundation Celebrates 25 Years

  • Thursday, October 23, 2014
 Dr. Joe Martin, a national education motivational speaker, addresses a sold-out crowd at the PEF 25th anniversary luncheon Wednesday at the Chattanoogan.
Dr. Joe Martin, a national education motivational speaker, addresses a sold-out crowd at the PEF 25th anniversary luncheon Wednesday at the Chattanoogan.

For the past 25 years, Public Education Foundation has worked collaboratively with the Hamilton County Department of Education and other partners to provide training, research, and resources to teachers, principals and schools.  On Wednesday at a luncheon hosted at the Chattanoogan, over 400 educators and community members gathered to honor the PEF board leadership and listen to national education expert Professor Joe Martin.

The keynote speaker, Professor Martin, led the crowd in chanting, “It’s worth it!” to invest in students and teachers. Raised by an abusive, alcoholic mother, Professor Martin credits his success to Mrs. G, an influential 7th grade teacher who believed in him. “It’s worth it to invest in teachers. Our students are worth it,” he said. 

In addition to the keynote speech, PEF honored their three board chairs, Bo Sudderth, Ruth Holmberg and Jim Hill.  

“Bo, Ruth, and Jim have provided PEF with wisdom and untold support," said PEF President Dan Challener in his remarks.  "Their example-- prominent leaders in our community who are deeply committed to public education --   remind citizens and leaders across our community just how important our public schools are. It is a powerful statement when the CEO of a large bank, the publisher of a major newspaper, and the head of a community’s largest manufacturing plant agree to chair the board of a non-profit organization.  Today, we want to honor and thank Bo and Ruth and Jim for their leadership and their commitment to public education.” 

“PEF works every day to improve opportunities for teachers, principals, and most importantly, students," said current PEF Board Chair Jim Hill.  "I think there is no greater work that can be done to impact the Chattanooga community.  I am proud to play a role in transforming public education.”

PEF honored its three past and present Board Chairs: Bo Sudderth, Jim Hill and Ruth Holmberg at the PEF 25th anniversary luncheon.  Kate Adams and Elaine Hill are also pictured.
PEF honored its three past and present Board Chairs: Bo Sudderth, Jim Hill and Ruth Holmberg at the PEF 25th anniversary luncheon. Kate Adams and Elaine Hill are also pictured.
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