Letter from the Executive Director: Fall 2024

Students and families in the Mohawk Trail and Hawlemont School districts face immense challenges. Over fifty percent of the student body does not have enough food to nourish their bodies and minds, warm winter coats, heat, hot water, gas money, or emergency funds. In this incredibly hot summer, most cannot afford the electricity to cool their homes.

Despite these daunting obstacles, the resilience and determination shown by our students and families are truly inspiring.

It’s vital to acknowledge that the combined efforts of our community and educators are making a significant difference. Every form of support, regardless of its size, directly contributes to the success of our students. The collective impact strengthens our community and builds resilience in our students.

Your ongoing support enables:

• new student drivers completing driver education,
• grandparent caregivers accessing the support they need to be successful,
• families having enough food on the table,
• children having books at home to promote literacy,
• students learning through summer programming,
• families avoiding becoming unhoused through assistance in keeping them living in our district and
• students receiving almost $100,000 in scholarships this year.

These items are just some ways we make a difference in our community, but not all.

It’s important to note that the Mary Lyon Foundation’s funding primarily comes from private donors. These generous individuals, along with annual fund donations, estate gifts, IRA distributions, and memorial scholarships set up in memory of loved ones, are the lifeblood of our financial support.

We can only provide the services we offer with your help, and we are deeply grateful for your ongoing support. I hope you enjoy reading Andrew Doty’s extraordinary story and that you remember Edgar Martin well in this newsletter. These two stories are a testament to the strength of our community. Together, we can ensure that every child is ready to learn, succeed academically, socially, and emotionally, and thrive in the wider world.

Kristen Tillona-Baker
Executive Director