Support sought for the Minnewaska Laker Foundation

The Minnewaska Laker Foundation plays a pivotal role in enhancing the educational experiences of Minnewaska area students, thanks to the generosity of local community donors. 

These contributions not only provide scholarships but also equip classrooms with resources that inspire creativity and innovation, according to the Minnewaska School District.

In 2024, the Foundation awarded a remarkable $17,500 scholarship to a Minnewaska graduate who is now attending Alex Tech in a CTE (Career and Technical Education) field. Additionally, two $500 scholarships were given to a senior boy and a senior girl who maintained a 3.0 GPA and participated in fine arts, visual arts, or athletics. These scholarships ease the financial burden on our students, allowing them to focus on their academic and extracurricular pursuits.

The Foundation’s commitment to CTE programs has been instrumental in shaping the future of our students. Their support has provided half the funding for new drones, including teacher training and licensing, offering students the opportunity to engage with cutting-edge technology in drone education. Additionally, they funded a band saw for our CTE classes, enhancing hands-on learning and technical skills that prepare students for real-world careers.

Beyond CTE, the Foundation’s impact extends to numerous other areas. In the arts, donations have helped purchase essential music equipment, including an oboe, cymbals, tenor sax, drum set, recording equipment, and a harmony director used in daily instruction. Thanks to a jazz-specific donation, the school district was also able to commission a special piece of jazz music in honor of former University of Minnesota-Morris professor Doc Carlson, further enriching the local music program. The Foundation has also made a significant contribution to the choir program, funding a digital piano that has greatly improved the efficiency of rehearsals through its multiple-track recording capabilities.

The Foundation’s support has reached early learners and athletes as well. Scholarships have been provided for students in need, helping them access school readiness/preschool programs. In the weight room, velocity-based training devices funded by the Foundation are enhancing athletic performance and student wellness.

Thanks to the Foundation, second graders enjoyed an educational trip to Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center, expanding their environmental awareness. In our photography class, Foundation donations ensured that each student had access to quality cameras, enabling them to learn about manual photography settings, lighting, composition, and more.

These accomplishments are made possible by the generous support of the Minnewaska community. These donations help ensure that every student has the tools they need to succeed—whether in the classroom, on the field, or on the stage.

MAS invites residents to join us in continuing to make a difference by donating to the Minnewaska Laker Foundation. “Your contribution is an investment in our students and the future of our community,” it was stated.  

For more information on how to donate, please visit: https://www.minnewaska.k12.mn.us/foundation/