Thank you for your unwavering support of the Foundation of Monroe County Community Schools. Your generosity continues to transform the lives of students and educators across our community.

Each year, programs supported through the Foundation impact more than 10,000 students. Every child is unique, and our goal is to help each one reach their full potential. This year, I’d like to share two stories that highlight how your support truly makes a difference.

The Personal Achievement Banquet is one of our longest-standing and most meaningful programs. Each year, teachers nominate twenty high school students who have risen above personal challenges to achieve success. Their stories are a powerful reminder of the resilience and promise within our schools.

Take Jake, for example. High school is hard enough without having to move through four different foster care homes. When one house burned down and another family lost their home, Jake found himself sleeping on friends’ couches from the school band. Through it all, he led the trombone section and was always the first to ask how he could help. At the banquet, Jake received a $500 scholarship in recognition of his determination and leadership.

Then there’s Terry, who faced tremendous loss during high school. When his father was hospitalized for weeks, Terry stayed with relatives until his father recovered—only to lose his mother during his senior year. Despite these hardships, he stayed committed to his studies, taking honors-level courses and participating in robotics and amateur radio clubs. Receiving his award was a moment of pride that celebrated his perseverance and strength.

Your annual support makes moments like these possible. It allows students like Jake and Terry to be seen, celebrated, and supported. As the year comes to a close, I hope you’ll renew your commitment to our students. Every gift—no matter the amount—provides meaningful opportunities that make learning engaging, relevant, and full of hope.

Thank you for believing in the power of public education. Together, we are helping every student succeed.