By Christine Garcia
Digital photography and graphic design teacher Zoe Seals, received a grant from the Huntington Beach Assistant League (HBAL) on Sept. 12. The HBAL Links to Learning High School Grant is an annual teacher funding program that started two years ago.
Seals came about HBAL because she worked with them for years before applying for the grant to get her classroom needs. The applications are annually collected on June 1 and then HBAL announces the winners in August. Then, they present checks in September for the teachers.
Seals’ main priority was to get new phone pockets to increase productivity in her classroom. Then, she intends to use the remaining funds for Chromebook chargers and replacement equipment.
“As things get worn out, it’s kind of expensive to replace. So the grant will help us replace equipment as needed,” Seals said.
Although Seals is the only teacher from Fountain Valley High School (FVHS) who applied and got the grant, she noted that HBAL is funding multiple teachers across the district. The HBAL Links to Learning Grant Co-chair Chris Grandall confirmed that all 23 teachers in six schools that applied got grants this year. Currently, every high school in the Huntington Beach Unified High School District has a teacher who got a grant of about $500.
Last year, science teacher Deborah Brown also won the grant as an FVHS teacher.
According to former FVHS PTSA president and current Assistance League member, Liz Smilor, HBAL is committed to giving back to the community through programs that directly impact the youth and schools.
“[HBAL’s] focus is on education, as well as children. We do operation School Bell, which … lets kids go shopping for school clothing, [ages] all the way up through high school. We [also] give college scholarships,” Smilor said.
This support is made possible through the Assistance League’s thrift shop on Slater Ave. Smilor noted that the shop finances HBAL’s programs.
Beyond celebrating her own award, Seals encourages students and teachers to explore ways to get involved with HBAL.
“I am a big supporter [of HBAL]. [I recommend] just to look out for the HB Assistance League so you can see how you can get involved by volunteering. I encourage students to get involved,” Seals said.
