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Google Invests $240,000 in Dorchester School District Two To Launch Immersive STEAM Innovation Lab at Oakbrook Elementary

DORCHESTER COUNTY, SC (October 28, 2026) – Historic donation to the DDTwo Educational Foundation will expand access to hands-on STEAM learning and early career exploration for students.

Dorchester School District Two (DDTwo) is celebrating a historic investment from Google, which has donated $240,000 to the DDTwo Educational Foundation to establish the Google Innovation Lab at Oakbrook Elementary School. The donation is the largest in the Foundation’s history and will support an immersive learning environment designed to introduce students to science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) through hands-on experiences and early career exploration.

The Google Innovation Lab was developed through a collaborative effort between the DDTwo Educational Foundation, the district superintendent and district leadership to identify an impactful initiative that would expand educational opportunities for students. The Foundation then partnered with Google to define the project’s needs, vision and potential impact across the school community.

“We are incredibly grateful to Google for making this historic investment in our students and our district,” said Superintendent Chad Daugherty. “The Google Innovation Lab will create exciting opportunities for students to explore, create, problem-solve and discover new interests. By introducing STEAM concepts and career pathways at an early age, we are helping students build the skills, confidence and curiosity they need for future success.”

Google has been a valued community partner of the DDTwo Educational Foundation, previously supporting the implementation of Lu Interactive Playgrounds at selected schools and funding educator initiatives focused on school culture and climate. This latest investment builds on that partnership, demonstrating a shared commitment to innovative learning experiences and student success.

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Margaret Anne Byerly to Receive Ingram Award at PENCIL Back to School Breakfast 

Nashville, TN (August 18, 2026) – PENCIL (Public Education Needs Community Involvement and Leadership), Nashville’s business connector to Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS), will honor Margaret Anne Moore Byerly, VP of Development and Engagement at Enterprise Solutions, with the distinguished Ingram Award at its annual Back to School Breakfast. The fundraiser takes place on Friday, August 21, from 7 – 8:30 AM at the Belmont Curb Event Center.

The Ingram Award is given each year to a community partner or volunteer who provides outstanding support and engagement to MNPS through PENCIL. The award is named for the late E. Bronson Ingram, a founding board member of PENCIL.

This Friday 8/21, media is invited to the Curb Event Center at Belmont University, 2002 Belmont Ave 37212, 7:00 – 8:30 a.m.

Media interested in attending should contact Joe Neill, PENCIL Director of Events & Marketing, at jneill@pencil615.org.

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PENCIL Celebrates MNPS Teachers with “Together 4 Teachers” Pep Rally

NASHVILLE, TN, July 29, 2026 –  PENCIL (Public Education Needs Community Involvement and Leadership), Nashville’s business connector to Metro schools, will welcome our public school educators at its annual Together 4 Teachers to kick off the coming school year with a Pep Rally for teachers at GEODIS Park on Friday, July 31. 

Media is invited to the Pep Rally at GEODIS Park, 501 Benton Ave 37203, 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. 

“Our teachers continue to demonstrate how highly effective they are in supporting student learning, and this year's results are proof. When you know every student, their strengths, what drives them, what they need, you can create the conditions for them to succeed. That's what Every Student Known means in practice, and it's why our progress is undeniable,” said Dr. Adrienne Battle, Superintendent of Nashville Public Schools. “We're looking forward to celebrating our teachers again at Together 4 Teachers just a week before the new school year starts, and we appreciate everything PENCIL is doing to make that possible.”

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PENCIL Welcomes New Class of Board Leaders

NASHVILLE, TN, July 8, 2026 – PENCIL (Public Education Needs Community Involvement and Leadership), Nashville’s business connector to Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS), is pleased to announce its new class of board members as well as a new slate of board officers for the 2026-27 program year.  
 
Building on continued growth at PENCIL, the new cohort of board members complements their fellow industry leaders in delivering PENCIL’s vision to create a world in which MNPS students and teachers have equitable access to resources and opportunities.

“PENCIL is delighted to welcome this wonderful class of new board members. We are honored they have chosen to support Nashville’s public schools through us,” said Christiane Buggs, PENCIL CEO & President. “Ultimately, it is our students and teachers who benefit from the talents of this diverse and connected group of community leaders.”

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PENCIL is pleased to announce that Leah Susi has joined as the new Chief Philanthropy Officer as of June 1

Nashville, TN (Jun 1, 2026) Susi comes to the organization from Communities In Schools of Tennessee (CIS) where she was Chief Advancement Officer. During her five-plus years there, the organization grew annual philanthropic support by 170% and increased individual donor support fourfold.

"I am thrilled to join the PENCIL team who I know understands the profound impact of investing in teachers and students. Every student deserves the resources needed to inspire learning and achievement,” said Susi. “ I look forward to connecting with community leaders, businesses, and supporters who share our commitment to helping educators succeed and ensuring every student has the opportunity to reach their full potential."

In her role, Susi will direct all activities related to conceptualizing and implementing a comprehensive donor development strategy for PENCIL to ensure that organization targets are accomplished and oversee all marketing activities to assure overall success at recruiting and supporting a steady stream of new programmatic partners.   
 
“We believe that public education is everybody’s business. Leah’s understanding of our public schools and how participation from the Nashville business community can enhance the student experience makes her a perfect fit for this role,” said Christiane Buggs, PENCIL President & CEO.  “We are thrilled to have her join our organization at this exciting moment in our history. She brings a proven track record and energy to this work.”

Susi is a graduate of Lipscomb University and has more than 20 years of experience leading fundraising, communications, and organizational growth initiatives in the nonprofit arena. Prior to CIS, she rose to Senior Director of Development and Communications at Monroe Harding. During her tenure, she provided leadership for all development efforts including major giving, grants, special events, and corporate and church partnerships.

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PENCIL’s Principal for a Day Offers a Day in the Life of MNPS School Leaders (10/30)

October 29, 2025

Nashville, TN (October 29, 2025) – Getting called to the principal’s office will take on new meaning when PENCIL (Public Education Needs Community Involvement and Leadership), Nashville’s business connector to Metro Nashville Public Schools, hosts its annual Principal for a Day. The experience offers community members the memorable opportunity to spend a morning with an MNPS principal. 

Media is invited to join either opportunity on Thursday, October 30th:  

• Principal Experience | First Bell – 11 a.m. at various Metro Nashville Public Schools  
• Luncheon | 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. (with a brief program at noon) at Massey Hall, Cheekwood Estate & Gardens, 1200 Forrest Park Drive, Nashville TN 37205

If you are looking for a specific school to visit, we recommend the following two schools, where a PENCIL team member will be on-site to help coordinate:

• Croft Middle Design Center, 482 Elysian Fields Road – first bell at 8:45am until 9:30am
• Crieve Hall Elementary School, 498 Hogan Road – 9:45am to 10:30am

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