Sharon and Marc Hagle Awarded the Prestigious
2022 H. Clifford Lee Lifetime Achievement Award
The couple was recognized for their significant support and contributions to arts, education, health and environmental organization across Central Florida and the United States.
Orlando, Fla.-November 4, 2022- SpaceKids Global a Florida-based national nonprofit organization dedicated to educating elementary school-aged children in STEAM+ (science, technology, engineering, art, mathematics and environment), today announces its founder, Sharon Hagle, and her husband, Marc, President and CEO of Tricor International, LLC, have been given the 2022 H. Clifford Lee Lifetime Achievement Award by the Central Florida Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP).
The couple was recognized for their significant contributions to local and national organizations in support of the arts, education, health, and environment to better the Central Florida area and beyond. In total, the Hagles have donated to more than 50+ organizations. Their affinity for space and youth education led Sharon Hagle to launch SpaceKids Global in 2015 and they plan to return to space for a second time with Blue Origin to bring the possibility of space to kids.
"We are exited to accept the H. Clifford Lee Lifetime Achievement Award by the wonderful people at Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP). It is our greatest job in life to give back to our community, and we are proud to represent Central Florida in our work locally, on an international scale with SpaceKids Global, and in our travels to space. We hope our passion for investing in causes will inspire others, " said Sharon and Marc Hagle in a joint statement.
In honor of the award, the Hagles have announced SpaceKids Global will fund 2023 field trips to Kennedy Space Center for fourth graders in Orange County Title 1 Public Schools. The schools include Conway, Hungerford, Ivey Lane, Little River and Orange Center Elementary School. As part of the SpaceKids Global partnership, students will design their own space mission patch which will be their "ticket" to participate in the field trip.
"The Hagles are so deserving of this honor. They have made it their mission to reach out into the community and show kids what's possible," said Chair Teresa Jacobs, Orange County School Board. "Through their work they have helped inspire so many children to explore careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math. Their legacy will continue because they have an ability to individually connect with children".
SpaceKids Global's goal is to actively engage students to pursue careers in space exploration and technology and help fulfill the 3.5 million job vacancies predicted by 2025. To date, the organization has reached more than 253,ooo kids.
"Fourth grade is the year local students study the history of space. We want to ensure these kids aren't spectators, but participants in the future of space--because if they can see it, they can be it. Our goal is to expand this program next year to include more Title 1 schools and inspire more kids to explore STEAM+ careers," Sharon Hagle, founder of SpaceKids Global.
The Hagles have made significant contributions to many organization, including Purdue University, University of Central Florida, Orlando Ballet, Blue Sphere Foundation Protecting Oceans, American Heart Association, Aldrin Family Foundation and onePulse Foundation. The award was presented at the AFP 2022 National Philanthropy Day Celebration, Friday, November 4, which recognizes the donors, volunteers, professionals and organizations making a difference in Central Florida.
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About SpaceKids Global
SpaceKids Global is a Florida-based, national nonprofit, with the mission to education and actively engage an international audience of elementary students in STEAM+ environment activities, that inspire them to pursue careers in space exploration and technology. For more information, visit www.spacekids.global