Horizon Principal Rodney K. Richardson, second from left, accepts a $4,500 check from officials with University Kia. (CONTRIBUTED)

Horizon Elementary School saluted students’ mothers with “Muffins for Mom” on May 2. (CONTRIBUTED)

MADISON – Horizon Elementary School’s annual “Muffins for Moms” celebration had a ‘sweet twist’ with a donation from a Huntsville business.

At the event on May 2, officials with University Kia presented a donation of $4,500 to Horizon for use in technology upgrades.

In addition, the car dealership presented another check for $500 to enrichment specialist Beth Bero as “Teacher of the Month.” Horizon teachers vote to recognize a colleague with that honor.

The donations to Horizon are associated with University Kia’s “Drive for Education” program. The business donates to schools “to have the necessary equipment to provide Madison County children with the best possible educational experience,” University Kia Sales Manager Michael Lucente said.

“This month, we’ll donate $10,000 to support that goal. We intend to contribute to local schools every month,” Lucente said. West Madison Elementary School and two Madison County schools also received Kia donations recently.

University Kia General Manager Arthur Seaton and Sales Manager Maurice Dobbins also were involved with the presentation.

For the special occasion, Horizon students wrote letters and notes to moms. The messages were posted all over the cafeteria for parents to read. Along with the pastries and bagels, guests enjoyed coffee and juice.

More than 200 students’ mothers attended Muffins for Mom.

“The Horizon PTA was very involved in setting up Muffins for Moms and putting this event into action,” principal Rodney K. Richardson said. In addition, the Horizon’s Watch DOGS (Dads of Great Students) helped with parking and traffic control.

Horizon will apply the money for updates to computer in the library and classrooms.

“We’re definitely excited and thankful that University Kia selected Horizon to receive this money,” Richardson said. “Technology is something that is always changing. To keep up (with changes), you have to upgrade to provide the best instruction for 21st-century learners.”

University Kia’s address is 6519 University Drive NW in Huntsville. For more information, visit universitykia.com.