Foundation Awards Cash For Several Avon School Projects

AVON, CT — The Avon Education Foundation has awarded grants to educators and library staff across the community to support projects focused on STEM education, media production, music technology, sustainability and youth well-being.

Foundation board members visited schools and the Avon Free Public Library on May 26 to present awards as part of the organization's 2026 grant cycle.

At the Avon Free Public Library, Teen Librarian Grant Hedrick received a $950 grant for his proposal, "Take Back Your Time."

The program is designed to encourage students in grades six through nine and their caregivers to develop skills and hobbies, spend more time with family and friends, and make intentional choices about technology use.

According to the foundation, the initiative seeks to create community discussions around social media safety and smartphone use among young people.

At Avon High School, Technology and Engineering teacher Matt Dadona received funding for a project called "3D Print Recycling."

The initiative aims to recycle unusable 3D-printed materials into new material for future projects while teaching students about sustainability in manufacturing and engineering.

Band and Music Technology teacher Dawn Brys also received a grant for "Innovative Music Production for Avon High School."

The project is intended to expand the school's music curriculum through music technology, digital performance and composition while enhancing ensemble performances with a wider range of sounds.

Foundation officials said the program will support student creativity and prepare participants for higher education and careers in music.

Thompson Brook School teacher Brendan Lynch received funding for a proposed "TBS Television Studio."

Building on students' use of video-editing software, the project will create a school television studio using plug-in microphones and student Chromebooks rather than dedicated cameras.

The studio will be available to teachers across the school and is designed to support instruction in multiple subject areas.

The foundation also awarded grants to elementary school library media specialists for a districtwide STEM initiative.

Rebecca Kerrigan of Roaring Brook School, along with Pine Grove School library media specialists Angella Antonelli and Lauren Bogoian, received funding for the "K-4 STEM/Robotics Renewal Initiative."

According to the foundation, the project will enhance STEM instruction in elementary schools through the purchase of Edison Robot EdPacks.

The programmable robotics kits are designed to support computer science learning and can be adapted to students' skill levels as they progress through grade levels.

Foundation officials said the grants reflect a continuing effort to support innovative educational opportunities throughout Avon Public Schools and the broader community.

For more information on the Avon Education Foundation, click on this link.