More than 650 education supporters came together in April to celebrate the big dreams of LWSD students at Lake Washington Schools Foundation’s Spring for Learning luncheon and breakfast.

Gifts continue to come in and it is anticipated the events will raise $270,000. LWSD students inspired the audience with personal stories about the importance of education and the impact that teachers have had on them. Evergreen Middle School students shared their college dreams through AVID, a Foundation funded program, which helps them achieve their goals. Former Seattle Seahawk and NFL Hall of Famer Walter Jones spoke at the luncheon about his dreams to be a professional football player with ESPN Senior NFL Writer and Analyst John Clayton. Breakfast attendees heard Seattle Sounders Head Coach Sigi Schmid speak of his childhood as an immigrant and the teachers that inspired him growing up. Both Walter Jones and Sigi Schmid have family ties to the Lake Washington School District.

Over 30 corporate partners generously supported the event, including Achieving Dreams partner Microsoft, and Future Ready partners Seattle Marriott Redmond Hotel and Waste Management, who assisted the Foundation in producing a “zero waste” event.

The Foundation is expanding investments in district- wide programs to impact more students across our growing district. It’s not too late to support students! The community is invited to make a gift online at www.lwsf.org or by calling 425-936- 1414. Thank you for your support.

This editorial piece was supplied by the Lake Washington Schools Foundation.