The Melvin Douglas and Victoria Kay Ivester Foundation has committed $100,000 to enhance the learning commons at East Hall and North Hall Middle and High Schools.
The school system announced the gift this week, stating that $25,000 will be allotted to each location.
The Ivester family has close ties to the North and East Hall communities. Douglas Ivester graduated from North; his wife Kay graduated from East.
Once completed, each of the four new spaces will be named, The Victoria Kay Ivester Learning Commons in honor of Kay Ivester and her steadfast belief in empowering students through knowledge and literacy.
“I feel certain that the new learning commons being installed at the various Hall County Schools will enhance the learning and enjoyment factors for all students,” said Doug Ivester. “Kay has always been a voracious reader of all forms of media…books, magazines, cookbooks–to fiction, to history…almost any written material. Sponsoring the learning commons at these schools is a natural fit for the Ivester Foundation and something that is very close to Kay’s Heart.”
“The boys and girls of the Hall County School District continue to be the benefactors of the Ivester family’s generosity,” said Superintendent Will Schofield. “The Ivesters believe in the power of education, they are unwavering in their support of teachers, and they are clearly invested in the Hall County Community. We are grateful for their partnership.”
Doug Ivester is the former chairman and CEO of The Coca-Cola Company Inc. He and his wife established the Melvin Douglas and Victoria Kay Ivester Foundation Inc. in 2012 with the purpose of funding projects specific to Gainesville and Hall County.
