Oct. 21 was a great day for both the Enumclaw Rotary and the Enumclaw Schools Foundation.

The Rotary club presented the Enumclaw Schools Foundation, for the second consecutive year, a check for $10,000, specifically to fund annual scholarships for four Enumclaw elementary students to attend full-day kindergarten. Due to a lack of state funding, parents must provide tuition of $2,500 for a full year or $250 for 10 months (September through June) for their 5-year olds to attend full-day kindergarten. For the 2010-11 academic year, a total of 28 need-based, full-day kindergarten scholarships, including the Rotary gift of four scholarships, have been privately funded.

Gifts like this and other contributions to the Enumclaw Schools Foundation for the FDK program have allowed 28 kindergarteners who would not otherwise have the opportunity to attend full-day kindergarten. These students are attending kindergarten in all five of Enumclaw’s elementary schools.

Additionally, contributions to these scholarships help to ensure district staffing for kindergarten teachers.

Rotarians Jeff Iunker and Dan Kraus presented the check to three of the foundation’s officers. Those photographed from left to right are Dianna Perry, Secretary; Jody Horn, Treasurer; Nancy Merrill, President; Jeff Iunker; and Dan Kraus. The Enumclaw Schools Foundation is very grateful for the generous gift from the Enumclaw Rotary.