Article courtesy Pasadena NOW
By Eddie Rivera
The library has always been a favorite place for students to hang, and now at Marshall Fundamental Middle School, they can do it a lot more comfortably, thanks to a donation from the College Football Playoff Foundation, the Tournament of Roses Foundation, the Pasadena Educational Foundation (PEF), and School Specialty.
The school’s Media Center received new furniture—including new tables and chairs—as well as new private seating and study areas. The furniture and renovations were funded through the three charitable foundations, and designed and built by School Specialty. A percentage of merchandise sales from the College Football Playoff series is also used to fund the renovations, which have taken place in schools all across the country. Marshall Fundamental is the last of four Pasadena schools to receive library improvements and renovation, thanks to the collaboration.
On hand for the ribbon-cutting were PUSD Superintendent Dr. Elizabeth Blanco, Marshall Fundamental Middle School Principal Lori Touloumian, PUSD President-elect Jennifer Hall Lee, Britton Banowsky of the College Football Playoff Foundation, Patrick Conyers of the Pasadena Educational Foundation, and Michael “Mac” Crumlin from School Specialty.
As a grateful ASB Middle School President Angel Tchiqui said at the School’s ribbon-cutting ceremony Tuesday, “When I was in sixth grade, I was also a part of the book club. It was a lot of fun for me and helped me feel more familiar with the school along with the assistance that was available to me as a sixth grader.
“It also helped guide me towards the right path on my middle school journey, especially as a new student in a new and unfamiliar school,” Tchiqui continued. “Although my interests have changed, there is still a place for me in this library.”
“This is especially meaningful work for us to put those resources of the community into our classrooms,” added PEF President Conyers.
“We know how great these students are and we know what promise they have for this community and beyond,” he said. “It’s especially meaningful to have local partners like the Tournament of Roses who have worked alongside us for years, and are a very meaningful and impactful partner.”
In addition to the support that they provided working alongside School Specialty to transform four libraries throughout the PUSD, said Conyers, the College Playoff Foundation also contributes to PEF and its teacher grants program, contributing $50,000 a year in addition to the $25,000 that the Tournament of Roses contributes.
“This allows us to give away more than $200,000 to teachers and principals for their priorities,” Conyers added. “So the impact you’re having in libraries is great and it’s in classrooms throughout the district as well.”
Marshall Principal Lori Touloumian, who also received a $1,000 donation from School Specialty, seemed overjoyed and was effusive in her praise for the renovation and the cooperation from the various groups.
“We are most grateful to have been chosen for this incredible donation by the college football, playoff foundation, School, Specialty, and PEF. Our library is the mecca for literacy across the curriculum, and this vibrant makeover and comfortable seating will enhance the wonderful work that takes place every day in the space, serving nearly 2000 students at Marshall.”
“The new furniture is not just about aesthetics,” added Touloumian, “It’s about creating and maintaining a positive and inspiring learning environment for all students where they are welcomed with open arms and supported in their learning.“
