Rotary Club gives to EXCEL, which gives to Lakes, Skyway

COEUR d’ALENE — In a cascading wave of giving Friday, the Coeur d’Alene Rotary Club gave $20,000 to the EXCEL Foundation and EXCEL paid it forward by awarding grants to two schools.

Ryan Johnson of the EXCEL Foundation said through the funding, the schools will be able to better develop underutilized areas and build up school pride. 

School staff let out hearty cheers at Lakes Middle School when they were surprised during a staff meeting with the announcement.  

“We saw the passion behind the presentation and its multidisciplinary approach and who it impacts,” Johnson said.

Although he noted the $25,000 Charlie and Susan Nipp Grant award may not cover all improvements staff wants for students, Johnson said staff will be able to incorporate multidisciplinary elements into the learning environment across the board.  

“It will significantly grant access to all of the students at Lakes Middle School,” Johnson said.  

At Skyway Elementary School, EXCEL members linked up with their Rotary counterparts to present $25,000.

“Our community partnered with the EXCEL Foundation to award the Coeur d’Alene Rotary Signature Grant,” Rotary Club President Ashley Lenz said.  

When the Rotary Club of Coeur d’Alene asked its members what they most supported this year when it came to community grants, 75% of the responding members said education was their top priority. 

Skyway Principal Lesley Runyon couldn’t contain her excitement as she danced forward to accept the check that will help fund a playground overhaul.

The new playground will have a meditation area, a friendship circle to work on problem-solving skills and Runyon’s personal favorite, a map of the United States. 

“I remember that as a child on my playground, it helped me learn where things in America are,” she said.

Katie Morrisroe of EXCEL said locals support public education and it is a joy to help schools improve the learning environment.

“A lot of the playground equipment is not accessible so a big part of it is making sure it is for all kids,” Morrisroe said.

Lakes Middle School was awarded a Charles and Susan Nipp Family grant Friday through the EXCEL Foundation. Left to right: Sara FitzSimmons, Emma Young, Jason Shanley, Tiffany Allgood, Jeni Nelson, Aaron Drake, Jasmine Reed, Michelle Biediger, Marcus Ross and Citlali Sanchez Zuniga.