The Lyon Roars
New & Updates
Honoring a Legacy of Community Service: The E.W. Martin II Endowed Memorial Scholarship
The Mary Lyon Foundation is proud to support the E.W. Martin II Endowed Memorial Scholarship, a tribute to the remarkable life and enduring legacy of our neighbor Edgar W. Martin II. Edgar, who called Shelburne Falls home before settling in Ashfield, made meaningful contributions to the West County community, leaving a lasting impression that continues…
Ron L. James: From Adversity to Advocacy – A Story of Transformation and Hope
Ron L. James, a member of the Mary Lyon Foundation’s Board of Trustees, has a profound story of redemption and transformation. Having faced challenges including substance abuse, serving 25 years in prison, and homelessness, he has turned his trials into triumphs. Ron is committed to sharing his experience so others don’t walk the same difficult…
Mentorship and Inspiration: Pursuing Passion with Support
Andrew Doty’s formative years at the Mohawk Trail Regional School District launched a passion for helping others, eventually leading him to medical school. Shaped by the guidance of his mentors and the support of his school community, his experiences set him on a path to making a meaningful impact in the medical field. As a…
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…
Accessibility in Advanced Placement
As is standard in schools across the country, students at MTRHS have always been assigned to Advanced Placement (AP) level courses based on teachers’ assessments of their abilities – but, what if this perceived aptitude and ability to succeed has taken an opportunity away from students that could’ve benefitted? MTRHS Director of Curriculum and Instruction…
A Portrait of Dedication
Jana Standish, a cherished member of the Mary Lyon Foundation’s Board of Trustees, embodies the essence of dedication, compassion, and community spirit. With over three decades of service as an elementary school counselor in the Mohawk Trail Regional School District, Jana has been a beacon of support for countless students, families, staff, and community members,…
A Lifetime of Advocacy and Support
Gordon and Marion Taylor have supported West County for longer than most of its residents have been alive, leading many initiatives and programs that benefit us all. Through a lifelong commitment to serving a community of friends and neighbors, they’ve made an impact that will continue for generations. Even before Gordon and Marion officially became…
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…
Letter from the Executive Director: Winter 2024
As we begin 2024, I reflect on my journey as Executive Director at the Mary Lyon Foundation. Three years have passed since Sue passed the torch, and I have done my best to walk in her footsteps and honor the legacy of Mary Lyon. Over the past three years, I have often thought about the…