HOUMA -- The foundation that supports a new charter school in Thibodaux recently received a state-level award for it's quest to provide quality education for students with learning disabilities.

The Giardina Family Foundation was one of eight organizations to receive the Louisiana 2008 Distinguished Partners in Education Award at a June 18 ceremony in Baton Rouge. Sister Immaculata Paisant, superintendent of schools in the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, made the nomination.

"It's certainly a great honor," said Dianne Savoie, coordinator of the Giardina Family Foundation. "We've worked since 1997 to improve the education for students with dyslexia, attention-deficit disorder or similar learning differences."

The foundation was started by Jake Giardina and the late Maxine Giardina, who had two children with dyslexia.

Most recently, the foundation's focus has been on the Maxine Giardina Charter School, a public school on the Nicholls State University campus in Thibodaux. In its second year, the school is open to students in first through eighth grade. Already, the school has 115 registered students with 45 more on the waiting list.

For its work in promoting quality education, the foundation received the state Department of Education award.

The Distinguished Partners in Education Program was created in 1989 to recognize businesses, industries, non-education associations and individuals who have made significant contributions to public education in Louisiana. The contributions don't have to be financial, but must demonstrate a sustained commitment to and support of quality education.

Other 2008 award winners are Biomedical Research Foundation of Northwest LA in Shreveport, CITGO in Lake Charles, City Savings Bank in DeRidder, City Year Louisiana in Baton Rouge, ConocoPhillips in Belle Chasse, Monsanto Company in Luling and Starks VFW Post No. 4759 & Ladies Auxiliary in Starks.

Source: dailycomet.com