Posted on Feb 28, 2017 in
HOMETOWN HEROES
Peggy Jackson.
By Joan Frances | Photos courtesy of the Fort Bend Education Foundation –
The future of the world rests in the hands of today’s youth, and a quality education for every student is a quintessential need for a successful future. Classroom projects become fundamental to the learning process, and often, teachers spend their own money to achieve success. Fort Bend resident Peggy Jackson is an outstanding community volunteer who is committed to helping youth succeed in the classroom and beyond. Jackson has volunteered with the Fort Bend Education Foundation since inception in 1992 to host fundraisers to generate money to be channeled directly to the classroom.
Peggy and Steve Jackson.
Jackson is a native Texan from Angleton who moved to Sugar Land with her husband, Steve, and children, Bryan and Carrie, in 1983. She was looking for a superior school district and heard about Fort Bend ISD. “I became actively involved with my kids’ school through Volunteers in Public Schools (VIPS),” Jackson said. “When the Fort Bend Education Foundation assembled and began organizing a fundraiser gala, I was quick to join the committee.” For 24 years, Jackson has assisted in organizing the gala, held on the first Saturday in March, and has co-chaired it three times.
In 2001, Jackson was asked to be a member of the board. “By being a board member, I have the opportunity to be engaged in every aspect of what the Foundation does for the school district. I am still involved in the gala, but I also help with any other events and the grant program,” Jackson explained.
Fort Bend Education Foundation Board Members Pat Houck, Peggy Jackson, Lynn Halford and Terri Wang at the Back to School Scramble Golf Tournament.
Jackson volunteers year-round in various capacities with the Foundation. For the grant program each year, teachers submit creative ideas by following a “blind read” format. About 500 grant ideas are submitted by the deadline each January and are divided among Jackson and the other grant readers to be read, scored and chosen in February. Then, the Grant Award Ceremony takes place in May. Jackson’s volunteer hours vary based on which fundraiser is coming up – from the gala to the golf tournament to Sugar Shindig to the Education Expedition Bike Ride.
Jackson’s devotion to volunteering with the Foundation is venerable. “I have a deep love for children, and I enjoy working with the Foundation every day. When an inspired educator can make a subject a little more creative and enjoyable, students learn more and retain the knowledge of the experience. The grants we give teachers enables them to emphasize new approaches to teaching and innovative programs, making learning fun and hands-on! The Grants Award Ceremony is very special. The joy on the faces of the recipients is so gratifying. It makes everything worthwhile and fulfilling.”
