Guthrie Public Schools Superintendent of Schools announced on Thursday the district received a sizable donation from the family of former Guthrie Junior High teacher Jennifer Lea Briggs.
Briggs, along with another GJHS teacher, Heather Wilson, were fatally injured in an auto accident on October 27, 2014 while on their way to school.
Briggs had strong ties to the Guthrie community. Her mother, Robin Briggs, is a GHS alum as well as her uncles and one aunt. Her grandfather, Kenneth Mitchell, a member of the GHS class of 1945, served the district for many years in various capacities including being a member of the Board of Education.
“The Mitchell and Briggs families are all about helping others while keeping the memory of Jennifer alive,” Supt. Dr. Mike Simpson said in a release. “We are very grateful for their generosity and their continued support of Guthrie Public Schools. They are true Bluejays!”
The donations include $2,500 to each of the Learn 2 Love initiatives at Guthrie Junior High and Guthrie High School. Those programs assist students with identified financial needs including clothing, school supplies and food.
In addition to the $5,000 dollars given for the Learn 2 Love programs, the family gave $10,000 toward the current playground renovations that are ongoing at Central Elementary.
“The staff at Central is overwhelmed by the love and support shown to us by this generous donation,” Principal Dani Watson said. “We cannot begin to express how thankful we are and how blessed we feel to receive such a wonderful gift. Our students deserve the best, and these funds will help us further our playground renovation project.”
I was born ane raised in Guthrie and attended grade school at Central Grade School as had my mother. Many memories of that play groung. Glad to see it again.