Students
Fall Newsletter: Liza Manchester, Program Director
Late in July, I joined the staff at the Mary Lyon Foundation. The team had just moved into a new office space at Mohawk Trail Regional School the week before, yet they were ready to welcome me with open arms — and put me to work right away! During my first week, I had the…
Read MoreFall Newsletter: Sarah Burrell, Development Associate
Summer at the Mary Lyon Foundation has been anything but sleepy! While students enjoyed their break and teachers recharged their batteries, we seized the moment to play musical chairs with our office space. In true small-but-mighty team fashion, we packed up our entire operation and migrated to a bigger, and more well suited classroom space…
Read MoreLetter from The Chief Executive Officer: Summer 2025
I am thrilled to announce that we have met our $5,000,000 campaign goal! When I arrived at the Foundation in January of 2021, school was remote, and we were still wearing masks. Just like the seasons, so much has changed in the last four and a half years. Our programs have grown, we’ve helped more…
Read MoreFrom Ashfield to Law School, Emaline Drury is Making Her Mark
Emaline Drury is not your average high school senior. Driven by a deep passion for justice and community service, this Ashfield resident is already paving the way for a bright future. With big dreams of attending law school, Emaline is the proud recipient of the prestigious Edwin C. Demara Endowed Scholarship. This scholarship, awarded by…
Read MoreA Gift of Hope and Healing Through the Guardian Angel Fund
In the heart of Shelburne Falls, a fund carries the memory of a beautiful soul, Anna Marie Townsend. The Guardian Angel Fund, established in her remembrance and now facilitated through the Mary Lyon Foundation, has become a lifeline for local families facing unimaginable hardships. What began as a community’s effort to honor the life of…
Read MoreHonoring Heritage, Shaping the Future: The Korpitas’ Commitment to Community
Dylan and Kristyn Korpita have established The Union 38 (FRS) and Mohawk Trail (MTRS) Family Fund with the Mary Lyon Foundation, aligning with the non-profits’ mission to support children and families in the Pioneer Valley. Both of their families have strong ties to Franklin County, and they have always felt a deep commitment to investing…
Read MoreA Safe and Innovative Learning Environment
When Amber Tulloch traded in her title of teacher for principal in 2021, it was supposed to be temporary, covering for the principal of Hawlemont Regional Elementary School’s (HRES) during her maternity leave. Principal Tulloch soon went from acting to interim, and ultimately to permanent principal when the job opened up later that year. Stepping…
Read MoreThe Davin Scholarship: Carrying on Tanja’s Legacy & Motivating Future Doctors
Tanja Davin knew she wanted to be a doctor from a young age. Her mother and father, Lizz and Bruce Davin, were elated for their daughter to have the ambition, drive, and intellect to make her dream come true. “We just watched and waited, and sure enough, she graduated, went onto Tufts, went into pre-med,…
Read MoreLetter from the Executive Director: Spring 2023
Spring has sprung, and it’s time to celebrate the tireless work of our Volunteers! April is National Volunteer Month, and the Mary Lyon Foundation is exceptionally grateful for the service of our volunteers. Their impact is immeasurable. The Mary Lyon Foundation has eleven volunteers who assist us with our grocery delivery program through Hilltown Church’s…
Read MoreAlyssa Collins is Supporting Student Success
Alyssa Collins works hard to give her students the tools and opportunities to thrive. As an MTRS-supported classroom teacher, Alyssa received the Mary Lyon Foundation’s educator assistance grant in October. Now, she can offer more social-emotional support programs and self-regulation tools to help students manage difficult emotions. Going Above and Beyond “Mary Lyon’s educator assistance…
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