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FCSS Celebrates at 50th Anniversary Conference in Orlando Florida

The 50^th Conference of FCSS was celebrated with some wonderful special events that celebrated the fifty years of serving social studies educators. 

Sheila Keller, past president and Director Emeritus,  and Ralph Egolf, past president, kicked off our celebration by writing a wonderful, fun, and informative book capturing the essence of FCSS since its formative year in 1952. The book entitled “Better Together” is a compilation of the story of Florida Council, past, present and future. It includes information on our founder, the formative years though today and a vision for the future. Pictures, graphics, quotes and lists of past officers and award winners are all included. It is a very special book and can be purchased for $10.

The Florida Council for the Social Studies Endowment celebrated the 50^th anniversary by funding a grant at Florida State University, College of Education for the Enhancement of Social Studies Education including in- service training of classroom teachers in the state as well as current undergraduate and graduate teacher programs. This is our first gift building an alliance with a University. FCSS Endowment already has given over $100,000 in mini grants, Institutes and scholarships to its members.

A luncheon was held honoring some of our very “special friends” who have contributed and supported FCSS over many years. Without the support of publishers, many of the conference activities in years past as well as future would not exist. FCSS sends a huge “Thank You”.

Many attendees had a great time spending money at our first Silent Auction benefiting the FCSS Endowment. Hotel packages, golf for 4, autumn floral arrangements, artists framed works and sports memorabilia were among the many items auctioned. Over $2100 was made for furthering the Endowments efforts.

Of course, what is a celebration with out cakes, balloons and commemorative T-Shirts?   The Rosen Shingle Creek Hotel, site of the conference, created a beautiful 50^th Anniversary cake for all to enjoy. Clusters of balloons filled the conference area to establish a fun atmosphere and FCSS has created wonderfully inspiring T Shirts for all members to own and send a message as how very important SOCIAL STUDIES EDUCATION is in building successful, knowledgeable citizens.

FCSS 50^th Conference was quite special in so many ways. We are looking forward to serving all social studies educators in the future!!!