Since 1997, the DeSoto County Education Foundation has worked to bridge the gap between classroom needs and community support, according to its website.  The Foundation believes that strong schools build strong communities, and that every student deserves the resources, inspiration and encouragement to thrive. 

Straka attended her first event as a director in late March alongside fellow Foundation board members and their executive director (see photos from event on this page).  The event, called “ElevatED,” honored local teachers and raised critical funds to support educators and students across DeSoto County. 

Arcadia faces ongoing challenges as a largely low-income rural community, including difficulty retaining teachers due to cost-of-living pressures and lower compensation compared to surrounding counties. This is where the Foundation's work and Straka's involvement play a critical role in driving local change.