Page 11 - Martin Downs Bulletin - February '21

Martin Downs, Page 11

honorIng

Edna W. Runner Tutorial with the long-established Mary Hinton

Center Recognized Scholarship Awards. Year after year,
students return to thank her and share
steps along their educational and
For Excellence And Innovation In career paths. Some return to volunteer
Education, Outreach To The Community As and hold staff positions under her
It Enters Its 35th Year Of Service leadership at the center.
The tutorial center’s Program
The Edna W. Runner Tutorial Center (EWRTC) Director, Travis Conway, is one such
works to honor the children and families served by example. Recognized in 2020 as one
its center – and beyond its Limestone Creek, Jupiter of National Afterschool Association’s
“perimeter” – daily. On the heels of overriding (NAA) elite 2021 Next Generation of
challenges in 2020, as it enters its 35th year of service, Afterschool Leaders; and as a coveted
its leadership, staff, volunteers and supporters are “Professional of the Year” nominee
celebrating landmark growth and recognition for its in Nonprofit First’s
ongoing dedication to helping children succeed in 2020 H ats O f f
school and life; and to extending its outreach and care Awards – as an
into the larger community of senior citizen residents – alumni – Conway
so that no one feels alone. understands the
In spite of the unanticipated pandemic, the Edna W. needs of the students
Runner Tutorial Center was able to provide a continuity served by the center.
of care and services with safe learning alternatives for Although just 28
working parents, so they could get back to work, and years old, Conway
children could continue to remain on track. Supported by led the charge during
funds provided by the Community Foundation and others, the COVID-19
the staff created new ways of interacting with volunteers academic closures to
and students to ensure that learning loss was minimized in ensure his students
the challenging environment. That extra effort mattered, would not suffer. A
and the Palm Beach County School District complimented product of the center,
the tutorial center’s students on being well prepared when Conway knew that
they returned to the classroom! students critically
Last spring, with dedicated, fast-track grassroots needed a sense of safety, feelings of connectedness children feel safe and are nurtured to help build self-
fundraising and awareness efforts, the center reopened and feelings of hope that they might not get at home. esteem, dream and achieve goals. In turn, they learn how
its doors, with a huge expansion completed including Working with area businesses and educators, he ensured to model this in their community. The newly-installed
new outdoor recreation spaces, counseling rooms and computers, Internet access and other support critical Simon’s Giving Garden allows donors to adopt a garden
a STEAM classroom all generously donated by the to students’ success were available as the county bed to support the community. Named to honor Simon
community. Its welcoming “new” doors invite kids to transitioned to distance learning. Conway and his team Baker, a Jupiter Community High School student who
reap the rewards, of not only wonderful afterschool wrote curriculum and built a plan to support the custom tragically passed away last August, Simon’s Giving
tutoring, recreation, life coaching and mentoring ... but #TutorialCenterMoments videos which helped support Garden is a place of reflection, carefully designed to
also to an exciting host of new and enhanced programs the academic and psychological needs of students. He led include perennial plants, butterfly plants, and raised beds
filled with learning opportunities from volunteers – a team of eight teachers to create 160 custom STEAM for wellness education and community food. Students will
experts, teachers, and professionals in culinary arts, projects, 172 videos, 856 home care kits and published plant vegetables and herbs, nurture their growth, and learn
music, technology, engineering, and more! them under the tag #TutorialCenterCamp during the about healthy eating habits, and how to prepare nutritious
Edna Runner, “Miss Edna” – as she is fondly known summer. 100 percent of parents reported students snacks and meals with the center’s Culinary Program.
– is an inspiration to all who know her and experience participated in these programs regularly and area schools The garden construction was supported by numerous
her genuine care, concern, and love in the community. reported that the center’s students were better prepared agencies and donors including the Mary Durstine
As executive director of the nonprofit organization that than their peers upon return to school this fall. McArtor Reynolds Memorial Giving Fund, who created
bears her name, Runner has grown the center’s offerings, Throughout the year, the program the staff team are a Mary’s Growing Garden featuring nutritious food. The
always striving to do more. In 2020 alone, Runner, supported by a cadre of 100-plus volunteers who are garden will also include pollinator plants for butterflies,
her staff, and the tutorial center have been recognized often retired professionals serving nearly 5,000 hours plus areas where students can reflect and grow.
by the community with several nominations by peers annually. The center allocates 2,000 meals a year, over Edna Runner, executive director of the Edna W. Runner
and officials. Some include: Nonprofit of the Year, 500 music lessons, and nearly 100 educational events – Tutorial Center, said, “The kids are going to learn a lot
Executive of the Year, Woman of the Year, Professional often coordinating support from area businesses or partner about food that really doesn’t come from the grocery
of the Year, Lifetime Achievement, by highly acclaimed agencies. The impact is significant with 90 percent of store, it comes from the garden, so this will be a great
organizations and affiliations such as Nonprofits First, EWRTC students going on to graduate high school on time. experience for them.”
Palm Beach North Chamber Women in Business The Edna W. Runner Tutorial Center achieved the While spending quality time at the center, filling the
Council, and the National Afterschool Association. coveted Maintenance Level in the Quality Improvement gap when kids are “out of school,” students learn about
The center is recognized as a Gold Seal Quality Care Standards for the 10th year. The strategic partnerships respecting themselves and others … and a big part of
Program provider of afterschool care, is licensed by the for enhanced learning opportunities with FPL, FAU, this is involving the kids in Runner’s extensive outreach
State of Florida, and is grateful for the support of United the University of Florida, Florida State, the University to the senior citizen members of the community. Events
Way of Palm Beach County, Jim Moran Foundation, The of Miami, add tremendous support for the center’s and activities celebrate and showcase their contributions
Honda Classic Cares, The Ed and Leah Frankel Supporting S.T.E.A.M. curriculum. These enhancements and a strong to the community, and Edna draws from her personal
Foundation and others. This community support allows volunteer program helped the center achieve 78 percent childhood memories to give back. Many are caregivers
the tutorial center to care for students to continue beyond improvement in reading scores and an overwhelming and grandparents of the children served by the center.
graduation with scholarships awarded each year to parent support rate. Edna tirelessly brings food, clothing, household items
graduating seniors at Edna’s “Movin’ On!” ceremony Core to the center’s mission, is to offer a place where and masks, to assist them with care and compassion.
Events include the center’s Winter Wonderland,
Valentine’s Day Cupid Match Party, Veterans Day
Ceremony, and a Thanksgiving Feast with all the trimmings!
The Edna W. Runner Tutorial Center is valued in the
community as is the founder, Runner, a humble icon
of selfless giving. This special place inspires all who
know and experience it. Runner shares, “My goal is that
everyone has opportunities to succeed. A lot of that starts
with feeling loved and valued.”
Photos contributed by
the Edna W. Runner Tutorial Center