L-W H.S. Foundation Reaches $2 Million in Donations Russell News Service January 01, 2009 | New Lenox Community Reporter The Lincoln-Way High School District 210 Foundation for Educational Excellence made history in 2008. The Foundation donated to the district a record-shattering $640,000. The first disbursement occurred in April when the Foundation donated $130,000 to fund grant requests, followed by a $10,000 donation in May when the Foundation awarded scholarships to graduating seniors from Central and East. In December, the Foundation wrote a check to the district for $500,000. This donation included $250,000 to fund grant requests, and $250,000 to the building trades program. "There is no doubt that this year's results surpassed our wildest expectations," said Foundation Board President Patricia Walker. "What is even more stunning is that in the last two years we doubled our total donation to the district. In 2006, we reached the million-dollar mark in donations, a quest the Foundation embarked on in 1994. From 2006 to 2008 we donated another million dollars to the district, and reached the $2 million mark. And because we share the district's mission of improving student achievement while focusing on fiscal responsibility, we are able to donate 94% of all money raised back to the district." Lincoln-Way students throughout the district are the beneficiaries of the Foundation's success. Walker continued, "We make a big difference in our classrooms by funding advanced technologies that give teachers the tools they need to reach kids, and provide a dynamic environment where learning is interactive and hands-on." Though many of the requests that come to the Foundation from teachers focus on technology, there are also grants funded that cover the costs of non-tech items like research books, popular fiction novels, art easels, world maps and digital cameras, to name just a few. Donations from the Foundation benefit students throughout the district and across the curriculum. "It takes everyone associated with the Lincoln-Way District to improve student achievement," said Superintendent Dr. Lawrence Wyllie. "The contributions from the Foundation play a major role in improving academic intensity." When asked what factored into the Foundation's unprecedented success, Executive Director Linda Lopez is quick to point out volunteer commitment and community support. "We have an extraordinary board of directors who lead by example," said Lopez. "They each make an annual cash donation to the Foundation, they roll up their sleeves and work hard for every fundraiser, and they have the vision to keep moving us forward." Lopez continued, "The community support for Lincoln-Way is amazing. We are so grateful that even in this challenging economic environment, businesses and individuals throughout the district, and beyond, continue to express their support. We simply couldn't succeed without them. "Finally, and most importantly, we represent an exceptional school district. Our community knows that Lincoln-Way High School District 210 provides unparalleled opportunities for academic achievement and social growth. Our schools stand at the very heart of this community. When people donate to Lincoln-Way, they not only give from the heart, they give with confidence, knowing that their donation will be managed responsibly." Lincoln-Way High School District 210 Foundation for Educational Excellence was established in 1994. Its mission is to creatively generate financial support with which to enrich and enhance the opportunities and educational experiences of Lincoln-Way High School District 210 students. To learn more about the Foundation, please contact Executive Director Linda Lopez at 815-462-2976. _

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