Tom Ray was one of four local recipients of a pair of shoes, courtesy of Dekko Foundation. (Photos provided)

KOSCIUSKO COUNTY — Recently, 35 people, including educators, nonprofit leaders, two sisters and a warden, opened their mail expecting bills and junk mail. Instead, they found a new pair of shoes. Four were from Kosciusko County.

The surprise was in honor of the Dekko Foundation’s 35th birthday.

“Stepping back to consider young people’s developmental needs is the number-one thing adults can do to help children thrive,” said Tom Leedy, Dekko Foundation president.  “To celebrate our birthday, we chose 35 people whom we’ve seen step back and do what’s best for children’s growth and development. We asked these folks to keep on stepping back and sent them new shoes to wear while they do it.”

The 35 also received a $3,500 grant to support their organization or charitable cause.

Aaron Wilcoxson shows off one of his shoes.

Receiving this surprise in Kosciusko County were as follows.

• Amy Evans: A teacher at Milford Elementary and Middle School, Evans has built strong, personal relationships which foster two-way communication and strong trust with students.
• Andrea Michael: The media center specialist at Akron Elementary School, for her knowledge of elementary-aged students and their developmental needs, which led her to support after-school clubs where children can socialize and build self-esteem.
• Tom Ray: Ray has a strong belief that children learn best through experiences that have meaning in their life. He leads Washington STEM Academy with that belief in mind.
• Aaron Wilcoxson: A young professional, Wilcoxson takes the time to volunteer with KEYS’ young philanthropists.

“Mr. Dekko left us with a mission to foster economic freedom through education,” said program director Sharon Smith. “We think the surest way to economic freedom is to build skills, knowledge and character in young people as they grow and develop.”

“For our birthday, we wanted to spread recognition across the states we serve,” Smith said. “We also wanted to honor people of different ages and elevate a new tier of leaders. We asked our staff to nominate people who are working to give children and youth what they need to thrive. We found a great group of leaders.”

Honored by the foundation were teachers and nonprofit leaders. “We also found some not-so-usual standouts,” Smith said. “We recognized a mayor, a man who runs a historic site and the warden of a jail.”

The Dekko Foundation was started in 1981 by Chester E. Dekko, an entrepreneur whose businesses made component parts for the auto, lighting, household goods and office furniture industries. When Dekko passed away in 1992, his estate went to support the Dekko Foundation. 

The foundation welcomes grant proposals aimed at building skills, knowledge and character in young people from birth to age 18. For more information about the Dekko Foundation, its beliefs and its grant making, click here or call (260) 347-1278.