Innovation Today! Impact Tomorrow!

After 37 years in education — the last 16 spent serving as a high school principal — I’ve had the privilege of witnessing the life-changing power of great teachers and inspired students. When I stepped into my new role as Executive Director of the Hempfield Foundation, I brought that same passion with me: helping teachers dream big and giving students the opportunities they deserve.

My connection to this community runs deep. I’ve lived in East Petersburg since 1998, and my four adult children are all proud Hempfield alumni. I’ve seen firsthand the extraordinary impact that dedicated educators and caring neighbors can have on young lives — including my own family’s. That’s why this work is personal to me.

The Foundation exists to promote excellence in education across the Hempfield School District by providing independent financial support for teacher-led innovation grants and student scholarships. In the past year alone, we’ve funded projects that range from robotics and entrepreneurship programs to sensory movement stations and STEM workforce initiatives for mechanically-minded students. Each one started with a teacher’s idea — and became reality because of people like you.

What I love most about the Foundation is that every gift has a face and a story. A child discovers a new talent. A teacher brings an idea to life. A classroom finds joy in learning again. Your generosity fuels all of that.

So this ExtraGive, I’m asking you to join me — not just in giving, but in believing that together, we can make every Hempfield classroom a place where innovation, kindness, and opportunity thrive.