Generosity from LCC Donors Continues to Help Students at Palm Bay Prep Academy Affected by Hurricane Michael

Pastor Paul McComack, Trinity Lutheran Church, Panama City and Kathy O’Day, LCC Director of Disaster Response, met with Dr. Kathleen Fontaine, Principal of Bay Prep Academy, to present a check for funds collected by donors through LCC and Trinity – Lisle, Illinois to help the students with financial need.

Dr. Fontaine was so excited that we were still remembering them with financial assistance. She stated they have 40% of their student body displaced from their homes, with many living in tents or couch surfing with relatives. So far they have used these funds to buy school and classroom supplies, warm clothes and shoes when it was cold in December and January, trolley passes so students can get to and from school, and gift cards for meals for teachers and students.

Donate - Hurricane Michael Disaster Response Fund

The school itself sustained much damage. They are a K – 12 charter school. They had to demolish their gym and one of the wings that had 18 classrooms. The remaining building still needs much repair. She said most of the students are behind where they should be academically, with most still showing signs of trauma and uncertainty.

The school district of Panama City has lost 5,000 students and have had to close 3 schools, laying off 320 teachers and staff. Palm Bay Academy has lost 55 students and will be facing possible layoffs next school year as well because of the loss of housing and jobs in their community.

Dr. Fontaine wishes to express her deepest appreciation for helping her students as they continue to recover from the effects of Hurricane Michael.