The Road to Independence

For many students in rural communities, learning to drive is more than a milestone. It is a gateway to independence, employment, and opportunity. This year, a new partnership between Mohawk Trail Regional High School and JaDuke Driving School is helping make that opportunity more accessible, with support from the Mary Lyon Foundation. 

The collaboration brings a driver’s education course directly to Mohawk Trail Regional High School, allowing students to complete the classroom portion during the school day. For families in the hilltowns, where transportation can be limited and driving schools are often 20+ miles away, having the course available at school removes several barriers at once. 

Principal Chris Buckland explained that Mohawk Trail had previously offered driver’s education years ago. As needs shifted and resources changed, the program eventually disappeared. In recent years, however, the necessity became clear again. 

“In the communities we serve, being able to drive is closely tied to independence,” Buckland said. “Students want that ability, but the logistics of getting to driving schools, balancing family schedules, and managing the cost can make it difficult. Offering it as part of the school day helps set students up for success.” 

Transportation is one of the most significant challenges for families in this corner of Western Massachusetts. JaDuke Driving School Director Juniper Holmes knows this firsthand. Holmes grew up in the area and attended Mohawk Trail herself, completing driver’s education school at Mohawk years ago. “When Chris reached out, I immediately understood why it would help,” Holmes said. “Transportation can be challenging in the hilltowns. Not every family has multiple cars, and there isn’t much access to public transportation. Being able to take driver’s education right at school makes it much more accessible to students.” 

For Ethan Tuttman, a paraprofessional at Mohawk Trail who helps facilitate the class, the program has already made a noticeable difference for students. The course itself is designed to be engaging and hands-on. Instead of long lectures, students participate in games and interactive activities that help them understand real-world driving situations. 

“They started very shy and unsure,” Tuttman said. “Now they’re shouting out answers and really participating. It’s been great to see their confidence grow.” 

Ensuring students could afford the program was another important piece of the effort. When outside grant funding fell through, the Mary Lyon Foundation stepped in to help cover costs for students whose families might otherwise struggle to afford driver’s education. 

“Some of these kids wouldn’t have been able to take the course without that support,” Buckland said. 

In Massachusetts, students must complete driver’s education to get their license before age eighteen. Without access to the course, some teens have to wait years before they can drive and get their driver’s license. By helping offset tuition costs, the Mary Lyon Foundation is making it possible for more students to complete driver’s education while still in high school. 

For students in rural communities, a driver’s license can make everyday life easier — helping them get to jobs and support their families with daily responsibilities. 

“Being able to drive is massively important where we are located,” Buckland said. “It gives students independence.” 

With JaDuke Driving School bringing the program to campus and the Mary Lyon Foundation helping remove financial barriers, more students in the hilltowns are now able to take that first step behind the wheel — moving forward with confidence and opportunity ahead.