Presidents’ Message

Dear Students, Parents, Staff, Alumni and Community Members,

As we reflect on the 2024–2025 school year, we are filled with gratitude for the many ways our community came together to support our students and schools.

One of our key priorities was to ensure our mission perfectly aligns with our impact. We are proud to share that we successfully completed a review and revision of our guiding principles, resulting in this concise and powerful mission statement: “The mission of the District 113 Education Foundation is to enrich the student experience at Deerfield and Highland Park High Schools by fostering innovative programs and opportunities.” This clear focus will drive our fundraising and grant-making efforts in the coming year.

Thanks to the incredible generosity of our donors, bidders, and sponsors, the virtual auction event was a resounding success! We are proud to have granted over $22,000 in funding supporting teachers and students, directly enriching our students’ experiences. These grants create opportunities that go beyond the classroom—whether through academic or extracurricular activities. Years from now, when our students look back on their high school years, we know they’ll remember the connections they made, and the memories shaped by these experiences.

We celebrated the success of the foundation at Pizza Bowl, where hundreds of community members gathered to share food, music, and connections. The Highland Park and Deerfield student Jazz Bands set the tone with incredible performances, and more than 14 local pizzerias and bakeries generously donated their goods. It was a reminder of the generosity, talent, and warmth that define our community.

Looking ahead, we are excited about the future. To continue thriving, growing, and evolving, we hope to welcome new members who share our passion for education and community. Together, we can continue to invest in our schools, inspire innovation, and strengthen the bonds that unite us.

On behalf of the District 113 Education Foundation, thank you for your support, your generosity, and your belief in the power of education and community. We look forward to building another year of impact—together.

 

With gratitude,
Ameeta Reed and Mary Beth Arzac
Co-Presidents, District 113 Education Foundation