Even as their school district is in the midst of a financial crisis, one foundation continues to help Nordonia Hills’ teachers and students.

The Nordonia School’s Foundation gave scholarships and grants worth about $17,000 to students, according to Sarah Paris, a math teacher who heads the foundation. Paris also said that the foundation gave approximately $6,000 to students and teachers in the form of small grants for educational projects.

Wayne Blankenship, the superintendent of Nordonia Hills, praised the foundation for its generous work.

This foundation was created in 1995 by several residents who were concerned about education and the schools. One of the charity’s trustees, Betty Martin, said that the amount given this year is typical, but the amount does increase every year.

The funds’ yearly increase is thanks to two annual fundraisers, a raffle in March, a golf trip in May, as well as donations.

The $17,000-worth scholarship and grants went to 14 students who just graduated. In addition, $250 was given to a student to help pay for a trip to Cambodia.

Martin added that the foundation also helps education programs for students that are not funded by the district for budget-related reasons. However, before applications for grants are approved, they are reviewed by the District Curriculum Director, Irene Beville. The main reason for the review is to gauge whether the grant is in line with their curriculum.