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The Lyon Roars

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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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Helping Families During the Winter Cold: 150 Youngsters Receive Winter Clothing Through ‘Warm the Children’ Program

The freezing temperatures of wintertime often force families in Western Franklin County to make difficult choices. For example, will a family choose to heat their home or replace the winter coat that their child has outgrown? By participating in the Warm the Children Program this winter, Mary Lyon Foundation helped provide winter gear to our…

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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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Caring for our Community

West County People Supporting People | Lack of access to medical, dental, psychological, and social services for our community is a perennial issue in the district. On Friday, May 20, 2022, the Mary Lyon Foundation, Franklin Regional Council of Governments, and the Franklin County Resource Network partnered with fifty-four health and social service providers…

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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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Affiliate interview: Alia Woofenden

Friends of the Foundation: Alia Woofenden | Alia Woofenden is a versatile leader who is deeply invested in the growth and prosperity of local students. As the Liaison for Community Engagement and Enrichment Programs for the Mohawk Trail Regional School District, she organizes and executes programs for students such as vacation camp during the February and April school breaks, a district enrichment program for students in grades three to six, the Summer Explorers Program and Camp…

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Mary Lyon Foundation & Greenfield Savings Bank Helping Provide Holiday Gifts

While most people feel excitement and eagerness for the holidays to return each year, families who struggle financially may not have the resources to purchase gifts for their loved ones. As yet another example of the Mary Lyon Foundation’s vision to help students learn, succeed, and inevitably thrive, this past November, we partnered with Greenfield…

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