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Joliet D-86 foundation awards teachers grants to support students
Jerry Bersano, president of Joliet Grade Schools Foundation for Educational Excellence, announces grants for Nicole Gans, Pershing Elementary School teacher, on Friday.Jerry Bersano, president of Joliet Grade Schools Foundation for Educational Excellence, announces grants for Joy Gillihan, Pershing Elementary School teacher, on Friday.

JOLIET Eight teachers at Pershing Elementary School were surprised with grants that will pay for science kits, books and more. That’s the most grants that have been awarded thus far by the district’s foundation, which was established in 2003 and awarded more than $355,000 to district staff since then.

To raise funds, the foundation hosts various events throughout the year, such as the annual Hoops for D86 basketball fundraiser.

Superintendent Theresa Rouse, foundation president Jerry Bersano and district spokeswoman Sandy Zalewski came into the classes of the teachers who were awarded grants Friday to surprise them with balloons and their check.