The value of a high-quality education for students of all ages is immeasurable. However, it requires financial support to provide highly innovative best practices to students and teachers in our local community. The Hamilton Southeastern Education Foundation (HSEF) was founded in 2001 to invest in every student, every grade and every school within the district, by providing funding for classroom grants and student scholarships through extensive fundraising efforts.
“We exist as the official philanthropic partner of our local schools,” says Justin Hirnisey, executive director. “Our mission is to enhance educational opportunities, inspire excellence and engage the community to foster a legacy of achievement. HSEF helps bridge gaps by connecting community resources with our schools to bring unique opportunities to our students and respond to emerging needs.”
Hirnisey says that by investing in impactful resources, we all build a legacy of excellence, not only for individual students, but also for the Fishers community for generations to come. The impact of HSEF’s initiatives can be seen in the new student-led podcast and the library production studio expansion at Fishers Junior High School, which have provided creative learning opportunities for students like seventh-grader Brithanie Emile. “My work in the media production studio is driven by the idea that virtual storytelling and images have the power to change the world into a better place,” Emile says.
“Many HSE students come with an innate interest in science because this district’s parents share their love and knowledge of science before they are ever in school,” says Sarah Chattin, honors chemistry and forensic sciences teacher at Hamilton Southeastern High School. “Hamilton Southeastern Education Foundation’s generosity has allowed us to fill our classrooms with research-grade equipment to further enrich students’ explorations. I absolutely love that HSEF’s funds are being used to make not only our program, but also our students, better. Giving students who are interested in a career in criminalistics a chance to use the same equipment they will use in their jobs is a huge boost to their confidence and marketability. We would not be able to do what we do without the contributions from HSEF. Seeing students get excited about what they are learning is what makes this job fun. HSEF has given us the tools to reach more students and help them build better futures.”
Since 2001 the HSEF has invested nearly $2.5 million into programs and initiatives that support the staff and students of HSE schools. In 2023-2024, HSEF connected with HSE students and staff to support 52 grant projects at all 22 schools rooted in innovation, totaling over $118,000. Hirnisey says the HSEF administered 44 scholarships that presented 87 student awards, totaling over $87,000 to graduates from both high schools in the class of 2024.
“The most impactful time during my 12 years in Hamilton Southeastern Schools came during my junior and senior years,” Jackson Philhower, HSE High School class of 2022 president. “I attended meetings to provide student input and selected classroom grants to fund through the foundation. As a senior I received several community scholarships administered by HSEF to help fund my college education. I also interned with HSEF the summer after my senior year, helping start the Tigers Royal Alumni Network amongst other projects. Joining the student board helped me see the greater value in giving back to my community. I have continued this in my collegiate studies and plan to in my career.”
The organization is also committed to bridging gaps by connecting community resources with schools, to bring unique opportunities to students and respond to emerging mental health and food insecurity needs. In January 2024, the Food for Thought fund wiped out $25,000 in outstanding meal balances for more than 1,200 families in the district.
So how exactly does the HSEF fund all these unique and thoughtful endeavors? The key is community involvement. Hirnisey underscores that the HSEF’s success is a result of the strong connections it fosters among local businesses, families and schools. From networking events to gatherings like the new Legacy Celebration, the community’s involvement is not just appreciated, but essential to the foundation’s mission. Hirnisey invites everyone to be a part of this educational journey, stressing that everyone’s contribution is needed and makes a significant impact.
“We want to build a legacy of excellence, and going into our 25th anniversary next school year, we hope to accomplish that by creating a brand-new opportunity for the community to support our local schools,” Hirnisey says. “The Legacy Celebration event is on February 21 at the new Fishers Event Center. This event will be the largest annual fundraising event for all HSE schools and will continue our legacy of innovation in our community.”
The celebration will feature a national headline act, which Hirnisey says locals will not want to miss. In addition, guests will hear from past grant and scholarship recipients detailing how the HSEF made a difference in their lives.
Community members can get involved in the HSEF’s mission through volunteer efforts, purchasing tickets to community events, individual donations and annual sponsorships.
Hirnisey says even a small, $5-per-month donation through the HSEF’s Grow Club makes a difference in helping to fund hands-on phonics manipulatives for kindergartners, robotics kits for our junior highs, or professional-grade microscopes for high school science classes.
Additional community events and programs include Before the Bell, Mudsock VIP for football and basketball, Giving Tuesday, Thank an Educator, and Prairie Dash 5K.
For more information and to get involved, visit hsefoundation.org today.
