Students
MTRS Senior Capstone Project
The Mary Lyon Foundation is proud to assist students by providing financial support to complete educational projects. The MTRS Senior Capstone is a long-term independent project that all seniors are required to complete before graduation. Students choose from an array of disciplines to design their projects, perform in-depth research, and set realistic goals to make…
Read MoreSummer Programming Scholarship
The Mary Lyon Foundation funded $2,500 in summer scholarships to help bridge the gap for families who could not afford to send their children to local summer programs. Due to the deep poverty gap within western Franklin County, some families do not qualify for free or reduced lunch services but may struggle to afford childcare…
Read MoreUnited Way of Franklin & Hampshire Region’s Blooming Backpack Drive:
The Mary Lyon Foundation partnered with the United Way of Franklin & Hampshire Region for their annual Blooming Backpack Drive! The Foundation helped prepare MTRSD students for a new academic year by encouraging donations of new backpacks filled with essential school supplies such as notebooks, paper, pens, highlighters, and more. Thank you to all who…
Read MoreRelieving 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…
Read MoreFriends 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…
Read MoreThe 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…
Read MoreMary 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…
Read MoreMary 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…
Read MoreInfancy 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…
Read MoreBoard 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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