The Cheltenham School District welcomed more than 200 people to Elkins Park School to dedicate its auditorium after beloved educator and principal Joseph C. Kircher.
Betsy Conway, a teacher at Elkins Park School during Kircher’s tenure, organized the Joe Kircher initiative, a program of the Cheltenham School District Foundation. The initiative raised $20,000 needed for permission to name a district facility.
The $20,000 raised will be used to support programs funded by the Cheltenham School District Foundation, which provides grants to educators in the district engaged in innovative programs for students. Conway petitioned the school board for permission to name the facility and created the Joe Kircher Naming Rights Fund. “Team Joe Crew” brought together educators and friends who drove the energy needed to complete the fundraising goals.
“We felt strongly that Mr. Kircher should be honored for all of the good he did for so many people of our community over the years,” said Conway, a trustee of the Cheltenham School District Foundation. The initiative raised the necessary funds in less than a year. “We have Stretton Hall and Joseph Rogers Library at Cheltenham High School. Kircher Hall at the Elkins Park School will preserve his legacy.”