Battle Ground’s first Rose Float in 1955. Click on the photo to read The Reflector’s recent look at the float’s history.
The Battle Ground Education Foundation is delighted to announce they have just received a $25,000 grant from the Battle Ground Rose Float Corp. The grant was provided in gratitude to the Battle Ground community for supporting them since their start in 1955, and is designated for the Family & Community Resource Center (FCRC), and the Rose Float Corp’s original partner, the Battle Ground High School marching band.
“The FCRC is a great program,” said Louise Tucker, on behalf of the BG Rose Float Corp. “We’ve always had kids in mind, and the FCRC helps provide for kids beyond the basics. They offer so many resources that kids need.”
Lynnell Murray, Director of Federal Programs for Battle Ground Public Schools, said the funds are badly needed and will be used to provide internet access via hotspots to district families experiencing houselessness or financial hardship.
“Access to reliable internet is critical for students’ academic success,” she said, “because it allows them to connect with essential services. However, it is also the highest unmet need in our district. With the support of this grant, we can remove a significant barrier for our most vulnerable families and ensure they remain connected to learning and community resources.”
Bill Tucker who, along with Louise, has taken turns spearheading the BG Rose Float Corp across the years, said the community of Battle Ground has always shown wonderful support for the organization and Battle Ground’s representation in Portland’s Grand Floral Parade. The community raised funds in a variety of ways, from raffles and wreath sales to selling fireworks. BGPS students sometimes even helped build the float.
Now that the BG Rose Float Corp has closed, the Rose Float Board said they wanted to return the funds to the community that has walked this special journey with them. And who better to recognize than the Battle Ground High School marching band, who paraded proudly alongside the original 1955 rose-covered horse and buggy? (Read more about that whimsical float and its almost 70-year history here.)
Danielle Armstrong, who heads the BGHS marching band program, couldn’t have been more thrilled at the news.
“This grant will significantly enhance our equipment inventory and improve our students’ experience,” she said. “We will be able to purchase long-awaited, essential items such as marching bells, a brass sousaphone, and various handheld percussion instruments. We have also been needing recording equipment to elevate our marching band rehearsals, as well as new sheet music. These additions will not only enrich our performances, but also provide our students with invaluable opportunities to grow as musicians and team members.”
BGeF president Alison Bullock said she is thrilled by this impactful investment in BGPS students. “We wish to express our heartfelt gratitude to the Battle Ground Rose Float Corp for this generous grant,” she said. “Community support like this plays a vital role in enabling us to continue our mission to enhance the educational experience for our students.”
The depth of gratitude was echoed by the grant’s recipients as well.
“This contribution will have a lasting impact on our program,” said Danielle Armstrong. “It will help us create memorable performances and cultivate a lifelong love of music among our students. Thanks to the BG Rose Float Corp and the Battle Ground community for believing in our vision and supporting the talents of our young musicians. We look forward to sharing the results of this incredible gift with our community in future performances and events.”