Letter from the Executive Director: Spring 2024

With blossoms on the trees, there is nothing like the anticipation of summer. We eagerly await long, hot days in the spring, swimming at the local pool and enjoying abundant fresh local produce and ice cream on a cone dripping down our hands. It is also a time of transition for our graduating seniors.

Our seniors are about to embark on a significant life transition. They’ve spent the last thirteen years in a school setting with guidance from teachers, coaches, counselors, family, and friends. The future they face is new and unknown. It is a time filled with anticipation, excitement, and some angst. What do you remember about the summer between high school graduation and that first September?

The Mary Lyon Foundation is a beacon of hope, dedicated to providing resources and support that pave the way for positive educational outcomes for our students and their families. We take pride in the stories and positive trajectories of our alumni, a testament to the impact of our initiatives.

Over the past six months, the Mary Lyon Foundation has awarded $33,000 in direct scholarships to seventeen students who have completed their first college or trade school semester.  We offer a diverse range of eighteen scholarships, all aimed at supporting post-secondary education for students residing in the nine towns of Western Franklin County.

Our scholarships are not just financial aid, they are life-changing opportunities. They serve as a crucial bridge for students, helping them afford textbooks and cover the gap between financial aid and tuition. By alleviating the burden of financial stress, these scholarships empower our students to chase their dreams. This transformative impact is made possible by the unwavering generosity of our donors, who recognize the value of investing in our community’s youth.

Are you interested in supporting programs at the Mary Lyon Foundation like our scholarship programs and investing in youth? Reach out to us today. We would love to discuss how you can make a meaningful impact. Call the office at (413) 625-2555 or email me directly at [email protected]. I hope to hear from you over the summer, ice cream in hand.

Kristen Tillona-Baker
Executive Director