3:00 pm - National Association for the Education of Homeless Children

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Sunday Sunday November November 15, 2009 LeTendre Concurrent Awards Sessions III, Ceremony continued... 5:00 3:15 - 7:00 4:30 p.m. Congratulations to the Class of 2009 LeTendre Scholars! Reception with hors d’oeuvres Ballroom About the LeTendre Education Fund for Students Experiencing Homelessness Colorado Patricia A. Popp, Ph.D., Chair LeTendre Committee, NAEHCY (VA) Presiding Barbara Duffield, Policy Director, NAEHCY (DC) Introduction of Scholars Kenneth Kurfis, LeTendre Class of 2006 Returning Scholar Recognition of New Scholars The LeTendre Education Fund for Homeless Children was established in 1998 in memory of André E. LeTendre, husband of Mary Jean LeTendre, former Director of Compensatory Education for the U.S. Department of Education. Each year, the Fund awards scholarships to students who have experienced homelessness and who have demonstrated academic achievement. A national advisory board including members of the LeTendre family and the NAEHCY board, along with local, state, and national educators reviews the applications and selects the scholars. The Fund has awarded over 185 scholarships since 1999. The LeTendre Fund provides a one time financial award to students to help them along the path to their dreams. In addition to the scholarship, youth have the opportunity to be connected to NAEHCY’s vast network of scholars and educators, creating mentoring opportunities for them to grow and expand. Students have appreciated the support they receive through the LeTendre network of educators and former scholars. One scholar told us: “I feel as though I can accomplish anything because I have so many people having confidence in me! That pushes me to have confidence in myself.” This year, we awarded 15 Tier I awards of $2,000 plus travel to the conference. Those 15 “top scholars” join us this evening. This reception is meaningful to conference attendees because it validates the work they do. However scholars find great meaning in the recognition also: “It gives the kids an opportunity to meet other people who are in the same situation that they may not normally get to meet. It lets the students know that there are people who care.” In addition, we provided 20 Tier II awards at $1,000 each, for a total of 35 scholarships. For more information about the fund and how to apply, please visit us on the web at The LeTendre Education Fund for Homeless Children c/o National Association for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth P.O. Box 26274 Minneapolis, MN 55426 Phone: 757-221-7776 Email: pxpopp@wm.edu
Unexpected Outcomes: Profile of a Scholar Kenneth Kurfis, LeTendre Class of 2006, joins us at the conference as the returning Le- Tendre Scholar. Kenneth is a 2007 graduate of Denver South High School and is currently attending The University of Colorado in Denver (UCD). He is studying political science and public speaking, with an eye on politics for his future pursuits. Next year, he hopes to run for student body president. If that goes well, Kenneth also aspires to represent Coloradans in the state Congress one day. LeTendre Education Fund As a high school student, Kenneth stood out among his peers as one who did exceptional work and who was praised highly by his teachers and adult mentors. In addition to his busy academic schedule and his family responsibilities, Kenneth also worked to help elementary school children improve their reading skills. One of his letters of recommendation praised him as a “great role model for the younger children” in his community because he always jumped in to offer assistance with projects and because of his dedication to his education. Another letter praised his qualities of compassion and empathy and supported his dream of “making a difference in the world.” Kenneth was the first member of his family to attend college, the first step to building a better future through education. In his 2006 LeTendre application essay, Kenneth wrote that he was touched by the work he was doing with young children - providing them with necessary attention and opening them up to the world of reading. He spoke of the work as “an honor.” Kenneth saw a possible future role for himself as an educator, but through his experiences, he has learned that educating others is a part of public life, as well. Even in his current job in the Financial Aid Department at UCD, he helps students navigate the complicated world of college financing and he directs them to people who might help solve their problems. Wherever his path leads, Kenneth has many interests and is actively exploring avenues and pursuing opportunities thanks to the world of education. He is reminded of his former struggles with homelessness during adolescence, and in reflection he says that he knew he could never give up. “As I write this, I am reminded of all the students out there who face such difficulties in their lives but refuse to give up and refuse to let the burdens of life consume themselves. Their emotional and physical willpower to overcome obstacles inspires me to remember that I was one of them, and that I still am. It reminds me that life can be a burden, but it is also full of many rewards and wonderful opportunities.” Kenneth recalls his trip to the 18 th NAEHCY Conference in Little Rock, Arkansas, where he met other students who had experiences similar to his. Those are the faces he thinks of when he needs inspiration. For many others, Kenneth’s face comes to mind. Visit the Silent Auction in the Colorado Ballroom Foyer on Monday from 8:00 a.m to 5:00 p.m. to support the LeTendre Education Fund! We welcome Kenneth back to the NAEHCY Conference and extend a very warm appreciation to all of the scholars’ achievements. 17
Page 1 and 2: National Association for the Educat
Page 3 and 4: Dear NAEHCY conference participants
Page 5 and 6: Saturday A Multi-Faceted Approach t
Page 7 and 8: Saturday Beyond School Enrollment:
Page 9 and 10: Protecting Homeless Students’ Rig
Page 11 and 12: Colorado Ballroom 12:00 - 1:30 p.m.
Page 13 and 14: The Changing Climate in Rural Schoo
Page 15: Effective Collaborations: McKinney-
Page 19 and 20: munities regarding McKinney-Vento a
Page 21 and 22: 12:00 - 1:30 p.m. Colorado Ballroom
Page 23 and 24: How to Develop and Implement a Univ
Page 25 and 26: Enhancing Higher Education Access a
Page 27 and 28: Serving the Unique Educational Need
Page 29 and 30: Tim Stahlke, President, NAEHCY Will
Page 31 and 32: eless Education (NCHE) enter for th
Page 33 and 34: Conference Overview Concurrent Sess
Page 35: NAEHCY’s 22 nd Annual Conference

3:00 pm - National Association for the Education of Homeless Children

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