History

When conceived in the early 1960s, Nova High School was an experiment without precedent. Partially funded by the Ford Foundation, it was created to explore new teaching methods, apply modern classroom technologies, and be a key part of an innovative vision for learning from kindergarten to graduate school on the same extended campus. 

As the Class of 1972, we were there to experience the very best years of that experiment. Some in our class were the first to attend Nova Elementary, as sixth graders in 1965. In eighth grade, we benefitted from a major expansion of  the school - both in physical facilities and enrollment, and took advantage of new spaces for the study of science and technology (Nova was STEM before the acronym was invented), music, social studies and English. The campus even had a visitor center to orient the countless tour groups who came to see Nova and its vision for education in the future.

We were incredibly fortunate. We were full-fledged participants - the lab rats - in what was arguably the most ambitious experiment in public education undertaken in America during the 20th Century. 

Mission & Purpose

The Nova High Alumni Fund has been established by the Class of 1972 for the purpose of awarding scholarships to Nova High School students so that they can pursue additional studies at the technical school, community college and university level. Preference will be given to those students with strong academic performance and demonstrated financial need. The Nova High Class of 1972 Alumni Fund Committee will collaborate with appropriate charitable third parties, such as the Broward Education Foundation, to identify eligible students and award scholarships. As resources and interest permit, the Fund may also be used to recognize the work of outstanding teachers, and make such other permissible grants that encourage innovation and excellence in education at Nova High School, and celebrates its legacy as an ambitious experiment in learning.

 

Method of Operation 

The Committee for the Nova High Alumni Fund is composed of a diverse set of ten 1972 classmates; it is co-chaired by Class of 1972 alumni Kathy Kirkland Sullivan and Ralph Megna. It includes Andy Caster, Jim Dallas, Carl Jenkins, Jr. , Jane Kelbe Buntin, Joni Leterman, Brent Spechler, Julie Spechler Fink, and Bob Sweetapple 

The Committee has two work groups: One for fundraising, and one for the scholarship and other programs underwritten by The Fund. The fundraising or development team has set an initial goal of raising $100K. To permit the donations to be tax deductible, and to earn interest income, and to provide for professional management and regulatory reporting, the Committee has entered into a “Donor Advised Fund” agreement with the Community Foundation of Broward. In a typical year, the earnings should permit roughly 5% of The Fund's value to be made available for use in the funds programs.

The program team will identify, on a schedule to be determined, the utilization of the available funds in a manner that serves the goals and purposes of The Committee. Perhaps one year it will make one or more scholarship grants, and then, in the next year, award a fellowship to a teacher. There may be other projects brought to the attention of the Committee that address in an innovative or creative fashion the goals and purposes of The Fund. The recommendations of the program team will be ratified by the full committee, and forwarded to the Community Foundation for action through its named liaisons, who are currently the co-chairpersons.

 

Long-term Evolution

The passage of time is likely to affect how money is solicited for The Fund, and how the dollars are administered. As The Fund stabilizes and matures, it may be useful to approach other Nova High School classes to see if they have an interest in joining our effort. In the future, operation of the committee will likely pass to younger alumni. Alternatively, as the Class of 1972 ages and dwindles in size, there may be a time when the remaining members articulate a full set of goals and principles that are entrusted to the Community Foundation as the successor decision makers.