The Lebanon Educational Foundation (LEF) is proud to announce the establishment of a new endowment generously funded by Mr. and Mrs. David Summers. This endowment is dedicated to supporting first-year teachers at Hattie B. Stokes Elementary School, continuing the Summers' steadfast commitment to enhancing the educational experience for both students and staff.

Over the past three years, Mr. and Mrs. Summers have made a significant impact on the Hattie B. Stokes community by providing teacher grants aimed at enriching classroom instruction and fostering academic excellence. This year, they have extended their support by awarding $500 to each of the first-year teachers at Hattie B. Stokes, with the possibility of additional funding during their second and third years at the school.

The 2024 recipients of this generous endowment are:

• Gabby Brewer, 2^nd Grade Teacher
• Grace Egler, 4^th Grade Teacher
• Lydia Diehl, 5^th Grade Teacher
• Bill Pawlak, 5^th Grade Teacher

These outstanding new educators have shown exceptional dedication and passion for teaching, and the Lebanon Educational Foundation, along with Mr. and Mrs. Summers, are pleased to support their journey as they continue to shape the minds of young learners at Hattie B. Stokes.

Gabby Brewer, a first-year teacher at Hattie B. Stokes, expressed her gratitude, stating, "The support from LEF is a blessing. Being a teacher is hard— trying to supply your classroom and create a positive and comfortable learning environment for your students takes a lot of time and you need resources. The support that LEF gave us left all the first-year teachers at Hattie B. Stokes speechless. Their generosity has helped relieve stress from being a first-year teacher. This grant impacted my work because it’s allowed me to contribute to my classroom in ways I didn’t think I would be able to. My students have gotten more books, a bigger rug, and flexible seating. I am so thankful for the support of LEF, and I know my students are too."

Lebanon Community School Corporation (LCSC) is incredibly grateful for the ongoing generosity of the Lebanon Educational Foundation. Their commitment to our teachers not only enhances the quality of education at LCSC but also inspires our entire community to value and support the work of our educators.

For more information about the Lebanon Educational Foundation and its initiatives, please visit www.lebanonlef.org.