By Anne Ruisi
Allie Elliott’s support for Cornerstone Schools of Alabama goes back to her childhood, when her parents were early supporters of the private Christian schools in Woodlawn and Roebuck.
She said her parents had talked about Cornerstone since she was very young.
“We’ve always been involved as a family, and then when I got to be an adult, I decided to join the junior board.”
She’s now president of the junior board, which is organizing the 18th annual Schoolhouse Rock fundraiser on March 10 at Regions Field. It’s a popular event that is expected to draw about 500 guests.
The Mountain Brook resident is in her second year as president of the school’s junior board, which is one of three service corps that work to support Cornerstone. The others are the Women’s Service board and the board of directors. Elliott said she’s been on the junior board since 2014.
Her involvement began before that. When she was growing up, the family attended school events, such as sports matches and graduation ceremonies, and showed their support at fundraisers and public service projects, such as the Angel Tree at Christmas.
“My parents have such a love for the school,” she said, noting her father, Craig Beatty, is on the school’s executive committee and board of directors.
Elliot said she continued to volunteer at Cornerstone after she grew up, including as a mentor to a teen girl.
Now, as president of the junior board, her primary function is planning the Schoolhouse Rock fundraiser, but it’s not a job she does alone, she said. Junior board members and the teachers and staff members help them, including Sami DeShazo, the school’s volunteer and special events coordinator, Elliott said.
“It’s definitely a team effort,” she said.
Cornerstone grade levels range from pre-kindergarten to high school, and the school provides an affordable alternative to public school, according to the schools’ website. While it’s a private school, every student receives tuition assistance and Cornerstone is “committed to providing each child with solid academics, character development and an opportunity for a deeper faith,” the website adds.
Volunteering at Cornerstone is meaningful, Elliott said. Her time mentoring the teenager “was really just a blessing” because she got to know the girl and help her. And she said she enjoys maintaining her family connection.
Cornerstone’s mission is to inspire and develop critically thinking and compassionate young people in a Christ-centered learning community that is committed to academic excellence and character development.
Elliott’s near future includes finishing her second year as the junior board’s president. Next year she’ll will serve as past president.
Elliott is a civil engineer who recently took a break from her job to stay home with her 15-month-old son.
“He’s just changing all the time and it is so much fun,” to be with him, Elliott said.
If You Go
The 18th annual Schoolhouse Rock fundraiser is March 10 from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. at Regions Field.
The event promises a night of rockin’ fun, with live music by Just a Few Cats, dancing and games such as a wine toss and diamond drop. There’s also a silent auction with items up for bid. Complimentary beer, wine and heavy hors d’oeuvres will be served.
Tickets are $60 in advance and $65 at the door.
