School Foundation Honors Underwood Family
CELEBRATION, FUND RAISER SCHEDULED FOR MARCH 11
On March 11, the McDonald County Schools Foundation will host its fourth annual Heart of Education Banquet at McDonald County High School. The purposes of this event are to annually honor deserving community members, to showcase McDonald County student and staff achievements, and to publicize and raise funds that will support the mission of the foundation.
This year’s honorees are members of the Don Underwood family. The Underwood family has been a vital part of the community and schools for over six generations. Don’s IGA was an essential business, providing many locals with groceries and an important gathering place for the community. Underwood’s family ran this local business from 1955 to 2002.
His son, Kenny, and his wife, Kathy, have worked for many years in the courthouse. Kenny currently serves as County Recorder. They provide dinner Wednesday nights at their church. Underwood’s daughter, Donna, is currently the public administrator for the county, providing a voice for those unable to do so. She also organizes local blood drives for the area. His daughter, Dalana Fuller, and her husband, Dan, are involved with many members of the community. Dalana, through Parents as Teachers, provides a wealth of information to new moms. Dan organizes activities for the Young Outdoorsmen United.
All three of Underwood’s children graduated from McDonald County Schools, along with his seven grandchildren. Currently, three of his great-grandchildren attend McDonald County Schools. At any given community activity, it is likely you will see at least one member of this family present or actively contributing behind the scenes with cinnamon rolls, fudge or a fundraising event.
In addition to honoring the Underwood family, the banquet will feature a Student Showcase with displays and performances from a wide variety of K-12 student programs. ProStart, a culinary program within the high school FACS department, will decorate tables and cater the three-course meal. It promises to be an evening of entertainment that can be enjoyed by area business people and school district patrons alike.
The McDonald County Schools Foundation has been granting scholarships and funding teacher initiatives since 2008, totaling approximately $200,000. Tickets sold to this event will support and expand those efforts in the future.
The Foundation Board is seeking to obtain sponsors for tables of eight and to reach out to individuals interested in continuing a high level of quality in the McDonald County School District. Table
sponsors will be acknowledged during the evening’s program and will have a table sign indicating sponsorship that will include eight complimentary dinners for their organization. Table sponsorship is $250. Tickets for individuals are $25 each. Tickets may be purchased in Anderson at Mustang Drug, Poppy’s Doughnuts or the District Office of McDonald County Schools; in Pineville at the Waco Title Office; and in Southwest City at Cornerstone Bank.
For further information about banquet plans, contact one of the above locations or call Alice Snodgrass, Foundation treasurer, at 417-845-3223.
Business casual will be the attire for the evening, which will begin with the opening of the Student Showcase at 6 p.m. and continue with the dinner and program, beginning at 6:30. Please plan to join the foundation in honoring the Underwoods and providing support for the future of McDonald County students and staff.