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MARIETTA -- When Ely Chapman Educational Foundation founder Alice Chapman died Dec. 30 of COVID-19, the immediate future of the school was uncertain.
A little more than a month later, a new director was hired to continue Chapman's vision.
"Lori Ullmann is the executive director now and is getting her feet on the ground," said Hunt Brawley, president of the foundation's board of directors. "We're excited. She's hit the ground running, and we're very encouraged."
Ullmann said she chose to take on the challenge of leading the school because it fit with her philosophy personally to get kids the education they need.
In addition to giving the kids opportunities they might otherwise not get, she wants to include parents in the process.
"That's something we're going to move more in that direction," she explained Friday.
A press release was sent out this week announcing her appointment, noting she is a graduate of West Virginia University and has an extensive background in communication technologies and broadcasting associated with educational institutions.
She has coordinated the Parkersburg Homecoming and Parkersburg Christmas Parades for 21 years. She is a board member for the David Wells Chocolate Jazz Foundation, the Actors Guild of Parkersburg, a member of the Arts Collaborative of the Mid-Ohio Valley, and has volunteered for various high school and college theater organizations.
She said part of the vision is to enhance the students' educational experience.
The SUNSHINE Learning Station offered extended days for those students needing a place to focus on the academic and physical education for the two Marietta City Schools student cohorts. The regular afterschool SUNSHINE Learning Station for Wood County Schools continued to operate as usual, officials said.
Ullmann is now working on getting counselors for the foundation's summer camp, Brawley said.
The students also have an environmental program, where they learn about soil, water and rocks.
"The kids love the rocks," Ullmann said, adding the program supplements the education they are getting at school.
Along with enhancing students' education, the foundation will continue to provide homework assistance, reviewing what the students have done during the school day and encouraging the kids to read.
Ullmann said she shares a philosophy with Alice Chapman that will continue the founder's legacy.
"At the end of the day, it's all about the kids," she explained.
Michele Newbanks can be reached at mnewbanks@mariettatimes.com.