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When the class of 2026 receives their diplomas at graduation May 21, they will have more than five million reasons to thank donors to the East Grand Rapids Schools Foundation.

That’s because in their time in East schools from kindergarten through 12th grade, the Foundation, thanks to its donor, has contributed more than $5 million to their education. 

This year’s graduates have benefited from Foundation grants every step of the way, from classroom libraries in elementary school to the Middle School Innovation Lab to programs like Gone Boarding, “We the People,” and Robotics in high school. Some of those programs were in place before the class of 2026 came along, and some, like new 3D printers, scientific measuring devices, and band instruments, were brand new grants that this year’s graduates were the first to experience.

The class of 2026 has also experienced an enormous increase in the levels at which the Foundation has been able to support our schools. In 2013-14, when this year’s graduates were in kindergarten, the Foundation contributed $130,178 to the district. This school year, the Foundation, thanks to our donors, will offer our schools $728,972 in support, more than five times the amount from just 12 years ago. 

So congratulations to this year’s graduates. And congratulations to everyone who has supported the Foundation over the years for the part you played in giving the class of 2026 an educational experience that is second to none.

A professional development day by art educators, for art educators, and held in an area hotspot for the arts? The prospect was more than enough to draw teachers from all over West Michigan to the second annual Art Ed Summit, which recently took place at the Muskegon Museum of Art.

The summit was a collaboration among Kent, Ottawa and Muskegon ISDs. More than 50 teachers attended to learn about how to help students identify and pursue viable arts careers, and to participate in panel discussions with professional artists who’ve worked in comic-book illustration, graphic design, game design and more.

Read more from our partners at School News Network!

The Hearts of Gold committee has chosen Ronald McDonald House West Michigan as their 2026 partner organization.  The Hearts of Gold game will be October 16, 2026.  Learn more about Ronald McDonald House West Michigan and sponsorship opportunities.