Bright Minds Foundation, the education foundation of the Howard County Public School System (HCPSS), has announced that it will recognize two individuals and one business at its upcoming Bright Futures Reception on Monday, May 6, 2024 in Columbia, Maryland.
Ms. Suzi Padgett, Sales Manager for the Howard County office of Compass, Inc., a residential real estate brokerage, will be the inaugural recipient of the Foundation’s Philanthropist of the Year award for her commitment and contributions to Howard County public schools students and educators. Ms. Padgett is also the 2024 recipient of the Friends of Education Award given by the Board of Education of Howard County. Ms. Padgett served as Chair of Bright Minds Foundation and continues to serve as a Board Member. She is also a Board Member for Leadership Howard County and Blossoms of Hope, where Ms. Padgett is co-chair of the Seeds of Hope initiative focused on mental health and wellness. As President of Howard County Association of REALTORS® (HCAR) Cares, Ms. Padgett also raises awareness and funds for the Howard County community, including food, shelter, health, and safety.
In addition to the Philanthropist of the Year award, Bright Minds Foundation will also honor Marcy Leonard with an HCPSS Alumni Recognition Award and Sheehy Toyota of Laurel with the Business Partner of the Year Award. Ms. Leonard grew up attending Howard County public schools, is a graduate of Atholton High School, and is now Principal of Wilde Lake High School in Columbia. Sheehy Toyota of Laurel and its team members have been active supporters of HCPSS students, educators, and schools. Please visit brightmindsfoundation.org/brightfutures to share your congratulatory remarks with these three honorees.
The Bright Futures Reception will be a unique networking event at Cured 18th & 21st in Columbia from 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. on Monday, May 6, 2024. This event will feature a gourmet tasting experience with appetizers and signature crafted cocktails from the Cured menu.
Guests will hear from and meet officials from HCPSS, including Acting Superintendent Bill Barnes. Guests will also be provided with an opportunity to bid on exciting auction items and be entertained by student performers and live jazz music in the supper club room, which reflects the speakeasy feel of the prohibition era.
Tickets and sponsorships are available at brightmindsfoundation.org/brightfutures or by contacting the Executive Director of Bright Minds Foundation, Jennifer Van Kirk, at jennifer@brightmindsfoundation.org. Tickets are $125/each and sponsorships range from $500 – $10,000.
About Bright Minds Foundation
Bright Minds Foundation is the Howard County public schools education foundation. We work to ensure each child in Howard County has access to the education, resources, and opportunities they need to succeed at school and in life. We do this by bringing together community support for programs and initiatives that increase education access, equity, and innovation. Bright Minds programs respond to the urgent and ongoing needs of children in four areas: early literacy, resources that remove barriers to learning, college scholarships, and teacher grants and support.
