The Pasadena ISD Education Foundation’s special partnership with Dell Computers has just taken on even more of a significant meaning.

The Foundation’s annual event honoring the top 10 students from all five high schools has a new nameplate as it will now be called the Pasadena ISD Education Foundation/Dell Shining Stars Gala.

For the past two years, Dell has provided the top 10 students with laptop computers and cases at the event which is held each May. The new name of the Gala was announced at the October Pasadena ISD Board of Trustees meeting.

“The foundation’s board of directors felt strongly about showing their appreciation towards Dell for the support over the past couple of years,” said Cindy Parmer, executive director of the Education Foundation. “We were honored to put their name on this event which has become so prestigious, partly because of their participation. Dell is one of many gracious sponsors who make the gala a night to remember.”

At the Gala, not only the top students from Dobie, Sam Rayburn, South Houston , Pasadena and Pasadena Memorial high schools are honored, but also the teachers they nominated for making a difference in their lives.

Pasadena’s involvement with Dell began in the spring of 2004 when the district entered into a strategic partnership for all computers, servers, printers and projectors.

“We value the partnership we have with Dell,” said Bob Daughrity, the district’s executive director of technology services. “Both Dell and Pasadena ISD are committed to the success of all students. We look forward to expanding this great partnership in the future.”

Pasadena ISD Superintendent Kirk Lewis also praised the contributions that Dell has made to the students of the district.

“Dell has provided technology that has helped enhance learning among all of our students,” he said. “They are a vital part of our district and have gone above and beyond the call of duty as supporters of the Shining Stars Gala. We truly appreciate their support.”

The Pasadena ISD Education Foundation supports educational programs for both students and staff of the district. The foundation provides funds for educational programs and activities which either have not been funded or have been under-funded by the normal operating budget. Distributed to teachers who apply in the form of mini-grants, the funds are used to facilitate innovative teaching strategies, energize student achievement and skill development, recognize and encourage staff excellence and expand community involvement from individuals, businesses and civic organizations.