Skip to content

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,…

Read More

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…

Read More

Letter from the Executive Director: Spring 2024

kristen

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…

Read More

Letter from the Executive Director: Winter 2024

kristen

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…

Read More

Student Assistance Corner

The Caring is Sharing Clothing Closet By fostering positive educational achievements that help students thrive, the Mary Lyon Foundation has steadfastly advocated for students and faculty within the Mohawk Trail community. One shining example is the Caring is Sharing Clothing Closet, a groundbreaking initiative spearheaded by the Key Club with backing from advisor Lisa Camarda,…

Read More

Campaign for Student Success

Thank you to everyone who celebrated our Campaign for Student Success at the Crazy Horse Bar and Grill in June! Because of our community’s dedication to ensuring our students learn, succeed, and thrive, we’ve made remarkable strides in reaching our $5 million-dollar fundraising goal. Special thanks to local musicians Greg Daniel Smith and Tory Hanna…

Read More

Board Spotlight: Arthur DeBow – Empowering Student Success

Arthur DeBow is an active Mary Lyon Foundation board member and an ardent advocate for local K-12 students and their families. Arthur’s dedication to providing opportunities for student success is inspiring and has made him an invaluable asset to the Foundation. By working to mobilize services and programs that create positive educational outcomes, Arthur empowers…

Read More

Extending a Helping Hand: The Mary Lyon Foundation’s Impact on Families During Challenging Times

The Mary Lyon Foundation’s support and dedication to the community were critical for many families during the chaos and uncertainty of COVID-19. Kecelyn DeArmond, a parent whose children attend Hawlemont Elementary School, recalls how the Mary Lyon Foundation provided her family with crucial aid and renewed hope during those particularly challenging times. Coping with Homeschooling…

Read More

Letter from the Executive Director: Summer 2023

kristen

We blazed into summer with a Reach for the Stars launch party supporting our Campaign for Student Success. The well-attended event was at the Crazy Horse Bar and Grill at Berkshire East in Charlemont, MA, and featured local musicians Greg Smith and Tory Hanna, along with the Mohawk Trail High School Chorus. The band played…

Read More

Volunteer Month

Thank you to all our amazing volunteers! In honor of National Volunteer Month, we celebrate their commitment to our communities. Shown below are our Hilltown Church Food Pantry Volunteers, who helped move 4,000 pounds of food in March, feeding hundreds of people with the assistance and support of 11 drivers. We appreciate our volunteers today and…

Read More