The people of Niles form the basis of our great community, serve as role models to our students and selflessly volunteer their time to better the lives of others. It’s also no secret Niles Community Schools is home to outstanding alumni and students. It is important to show recognition where it is deserved, which is why the Niles Education Foundation will honor one of our extraordinary Vikings at its seventh annual Legendary Evening on Friday, Aug. 9.

This year, the foundation will be honoring 1980 Niles High School graduate Jane Brandstatter, one of the founding members of the Niles Education Foundation and former foundation president. Brandstatter also served as the first female board president of the Niles Buchanan YMCA and has been an active YMCA member for more than 25 years.

A passionate member of the community, Brandstatter serves as the chairperson of Hope Grows and as a trustee with the Michigan Gateway Community Foundation. She is also a board member of Niles Buchanan Meals on Wheels and volunteers with the organization. Prior to retiring in 2016, Brandstatter demonstrated her dedication to education as the coordinator of the Learning Center and Writing Center at Southwestern Michigan College.

Since its establishment in 2009, the Niles Education Foundation has invested in the enhancement of public education at Niles Community Schools. The Niles Education Foundation raises money each year to acquire and grant resources exclusively in support of the school district for programs and projects suggested by teachers and administrators. Its goals are aimed at enhancing, enriching and supplementing learning opportunities for students, staff and the community. 

The Legendary Evening will take place at 6 p.m. at Fifty 5 at The Grand LV. Tickets to the event are $35 and include entertainment, a Taste of Niles buffet, a silent auction and a cash bar. Tickets can be purchased at nileseducationfoundation.org or by contacting the Niles Education Foundation at (269) 683-0732.

On behalf of Niles Community Schools, I want to thank the Niles Education Foundation for its continued support of the district, its teachers and its administrators, and for its dedication to our students’ success. I am forever grateful for the volunteers — like Jane Brandstatter — who have honorably demonstrated a commitment to our community and have proven to be outstanding role models. As we look forward to the upcoming event, I think we can all take inspiration from Jane, as we try to better the lives of others in our community.