Cassville R-IV School District

The Cassville Community Foundation is proud to announce a $1,000 grant from the Bernard L. Zelman Memorial Fund to the Cassville Schools Industrial Arts Department. The funds will be used to purchase iPads that allow students to document and track the progress of their hands-on projects throughout the year.

Bernard L. Zelman, who passed away in December 2023, was a man whose curiosity and determination inspired those around him. Known for his intricate matchstick models and self-taught skill, Zelman embodied perseverance and the joy of creating something meaningful with his hands. His daughter, Paula Finch, established the memorial fund in his honor, ensuring that his passion for craftsmanship and education would continue to impact future generations. “My dad was a remarkable man,” Finch said. “He never stopped learning and never gave up. This fund is a way to pass on his dedication to creativity and hard work.”

The Bernard L. Zelman Memorial Fund supports Cassville Public Schools by funding initiatives that align with Zelman’s passions: craftsmanship, education and the arts. The Industrial Arts Department’s new iPads will help students photograph and digitally archive their progress, promoting creativity and accountability while celebrating the learning process.

The Cassville Community Foundation, an affiliate of the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, serves as a resource for local donors who want to make a lasting impact. Since 2004, the foundation has distributed more than $1.2 million in grants and scholarships across Barry County.