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Relieving Students and Families of Financial Stress:

Austin Sullivan learned about the Mary Lyon Foundation in seventh grade, but it wasn’t until his senior year of high school in 2022 that he understood the impact of their services on the community. Now attending Westfield State University and pursuing a bachelor’s degree in psychology, as a first-generation college student, Austin received a laptop…

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Friends of the Foundation: Tom Miner, Local Optometrist & Co-Owner of Foxtown Diner

Meet Tom Miner, one of the Mary Lyon Foundation’s community partners! Tom owns the Foxtown Diner and serves as Shelburne’s resident optometrist through his local practice, The Optician. He first became involved with the Mary Lyon Foundation while it was under the direction of former Executive Director, Susan Samoriski. Through Sue, Tom discovered the essential…

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The Harper & Paulyne Gerry Student Assistance Corner

Etiquette Breakfast  On Friday, May 6, 2022, the Mary Lyon Foundation funded a very special breakfast for sixth-grade students at the Buckland Shelburne Elementary School! As part of their preparation to visit Nature’s Classroom in Ocean Park, Maine, they learned table etiquette when eating family style, including what a place setting looks like, where to…

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Mary Lyon Foundation News

Mary Lyon Spearheads the Development of a College and Career Readiness Center at Mohawk Trail Regional Schools   The Foundation is delighted to confirm that we recently received $30,000 in grant funding from the Mary Stuart Rogers Foundation, which will be used to establish a Career and College Counseling Center in the high school library.  The…

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Mary Lyon Foundation & MTRDS Partner on Literacy Program

When Kristen Tillona-Baker took the reins at Mary Lyon Foundation one year ago, she knew that collaborating with the Mohawk Trail Regional School District (MTRSD) would be essential for success. After all, educators are integrally connected to the day-to-day wellbeing of students in our region. After contacting the school district, Kirsten found a kindred spirit…

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Infancy to Adulthood

We Support You From Infancy to Adulthood The Mary Lyon Foundation Supports the West County Community from Infancy to Adulthood! We’d love to welcome your new bundle of joy to the world and ensure they have the resources needed to learn, succeed and thrive. Take a minute to complete our Newborn Care Package form and…

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Board Spotlight: Laurie Benoit

Laurie Benoit has been involved with higher education philanthropy for the entirety of her career. She was drawn to fundraising because of her strong desire to make a difference in the lives of students, families, and educators. More specifically, Laurie always had a desire to give back and contribute in a meaningful way in the…

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Board Spotlight: Meet Karen Fairbrother!

Karen has been an integral part of the Mary Lyon Foundation for over a decade. In addition to serving as a general Board member, she has guided the Foundation as both board treasurer and assistant treasurer. A woman of many talents and of great intelligence, Karen held various roles throughout her career, both before and…

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MTRS Senior Capstone Projects

MTRS Senior Capstone Projects

assists students MTRS Senior Capstone Projects The Mary Lyon Foundation assists those students who have needs for educational projects. If you are a student who would like assistance with your capstone project, please fill out a form. Apply Now! At MTRS, the theme of senior year is PRAXIS: the practice or practical application of something, as…

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