August 29, 2024 – Hardin Park, an elementary school in the Watauga County School System that maintains an exceptional children’s program, has a new endowment from the North Carolina Community Foundation to provide ongoing support.
The foundation was established by Jim Deal in memory of his wife, Shelia Tucker Deal. Shelia, pictured, attended Appalachian State University where she received bachelor’s and master’s degrees in special education. After teaching in the Caldwell and Watauga County school districts, Shelia became a volunteer in Hardin Park and took on numerous roles, including serving as PTA president.
Hardin Park offers a stand-alone special program for children requiring moderate, severe, and more intensive behavioral support, as well as children with autism. The program also provides instructional services and resources for students with mild disabilities.
“The Sheila Tucker Deal Endowment will help ensure that every student, regardless of ability, has the opportunity to thrive,” said Travis Gillespie, principal of Hardin Park School. “Thanks to this generous support, Hardin Park’s Program for Exceptional Children can continue to provide the resources and care our students need to succeed both in and out of the classroom.”
Restricted endowment funds are established to benefit specific organizations or programs and provide an annual source of income. Foundations such as the Shelia Tucker Deal Endowment can support the organization in perpetuity. There are more than 340 restricted endowments supporting nonprofits at the NCCF.
“I created this foundation to honor and remember Shelia’s legacy and her work with children,” said Jim Deal. “And I am grateful that the Watauga County community has responded with overwhelming support for this foundation.”
To make a donation to the foundation, visit nccommunityfoundation.org/SheliaTuckerDeal.
About the North Carolina Community Foundation
The North Carolina Community Foundation brings generous people together and connects them with causes and organizations they care about, with a focus on fostering lasting and meaningful philanthropy in the state’s rural communities.
With assets of $400 million, NCCF maintains over 1,200 endowments and works with donors and a network of partners across 60 counties to strengthen our state. By managing and increasing donor giving, NCCF creates powerful impact through an extensive grant and scholarship program and has awarded over $270 million since 1988.
For more information, visit nccommunityfoundation.org.
About Hardin Park Elementary
To learn more about Hardin Park Elementary and its Department for Exceptional Children, visit wataugaschools.org/departments/exceptional-children.
