By Gregory Pratt, LHS Superintendent

In mid March the Lowell Education Foundation held an event, Dinner with Friends. This event was designed to support the Lowell Education Foundation and was underwritten by Litehouse. All of the proceeds raised that evening will go toward grants for Lowell teachers and students. Dinner with Friends was hosted at seven special Lowell homes and an exciting theme-based gourmet dinner was provided to guests at each location. It was an evening filled with delicious food, rich conversation, and laughter, all for a worthy cause.

On the drive home, my wife, Liz, and I reminisced about the evening like many couples do after attending an event or party. In our conversation, we both sensed that this was different. It was different because we are experiencing a “different” recession than every before. Given that, it was moving and even more meaningful to know that so many members of our community continue to pay it forward to support our children, even in times such as this.

The Lowell Education Foundation is comprised of selfless volunteers who generously work on behalf of kids. They invest in our children by providing academic grants that ultimately preserve programs and enhanced opportunities for creative and innovative learning with lasting educational impact. They roll up their sleeves as an independent not-for-profit organization whose purpose is to help Lowell Area Schools’ teachers and students excel in programs that are not funded by public tax. Their work is significant, because they raise funds to initiate innovative learning and enhanced programs during times when the state has been forced to make difficult budget decisions.

In addition, there are those who say “yes” to supporting the foundation’s work in these times of economic turmoil. It’s a remarkable experience to connect with community members who believe that you cannot harvest anything if you never plant any seeds. Regardless of what it takes, our community continues to cultivate the next generation.

The Dinner with Friends event was a wonderful, successful evening. More important is to remind ourselves that, too often, we take for granted the things that have enhanced our well-being and growth. The Lowell community values the notion of benefiting from one another’s excellence; this is our way of life.

One thing I learned early in life was to pay it forward. It is a real privilege to continue to learn this lesson, see it in action, and know that by doing so you can change the world. Thank you, members of the Lowell Education Foundation, and to those who champion their work.