Click & Pledge, the SEF’s online giving platform, identifies “heroes” that merit recognition from among the 20,000 nonprofits that it serves. This year, Click & Pledge selected Trula Byington, former GW Carver and West Salem Elementary principal, as a Click & Pledge Hero, and has included Trula in its online, video storytelling. As part of this program, Click & Pledge nationally promotes SEF's endowment in Trula's honor with the goal of helping SEF reach the $15,000 endowment threshold for scholarship award. Donate in Trula's honor here.

This endowment honors Trula Byington's long career in education and her enduring influence on the lives of Salem City School children. Trula has served children through education for more than 30 years, nearly all of it in Salem schools. Her motto, “you cannot teach them until they know that you care about them,” has guided the instruction of thousands of children under her supervision and inspired a profound respect for Trula among her peers. Trula Byington poured her heart and talents into the Salem, Virginia, school system as a teacher and principal for 30 years, earning her the title “Salem City Schools MVP” from colleagues. On retiring, Trula continues to be a force in her community, serving on the Salem Area Ecumenical Ministries board and volunteering at Mrs. Dorsey’s Community Clothes Closet. Salem Kiwanis club named Trula the “Humanitarian of the Year” (2021). Likewise, DePaul Community Resources recognized her during her professional tenure as a “Woman of Achievement” at the organization’s 10th annual awards ceremony. We are pleased to create this endowment in Trula’s honor and hope to see it awarded in spring 2023 to a graduating senior who embodies Trula’s spirit of giving and her devotion to children and education.

The Educator: Trula Byington, Click & Pledge Hero