Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Education Grants topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Mamaroneck Schools Foundation awards nearly $20,000 in student grants; two students receive Rockefeller arts prizes
Summary
The Mamaroneck Schools Foundation presented a slate of 12 student grants totaling nearly $20,000 and the board accepted the awards. The board also honored visual-arts winner Leah Basslow and performing-arts winner Chris Gilder with Rockefeller Awards.
The board heard the Mamaroneck Schools Foundation present its student-grant slate, which this year includes 12 student projects totaling almost $20,000 in requested funding. Sarah Dunn of the foundation told the board the program has awarded close to 700 grants totaling nearly $6 million since 1996.
Multiple students described short proposals to the board, including projects to introduce field hockey after school, a presentation-skills workshop for Future Business Leaders of America, an SAT access and prep equity program, a mentorship program pairing high-school and 6th-grade students, and an AI‑tutor partnership to support economically disadvantaged learners. Each student thanked the foundation for the support that will let them pilot classroom- or community-focused initiatives.
Separately, the board presented the annual Rockefeller Awards for arts achievement. Jill Shoffat, an art teacher, presented the Rockefeller Award for Visual Arts to Leah Basslow, praising the maturity of Leah’s paintings and their attention to light and psychological atmosphere. Lisonbee Parsley, PACE department chair, presented the Rockefeller Award for Performing Arts to Chris Gilder, noting his growth overcoming stage fright; Gilder performed "Mooning for You" during the meeting.
The board moved to accept the Mamaroneck Schools Foundation student grants as recommended. The board packet lists funds to be made available on or before 06/30/2026.
The foundation and student presenters were thanked by board members for bringing creative, student-led projects to the district.
