Building Bridges Between Community Generosity and Student Opportunity

By: Shannon Avenson, LEAF Board Member and Executive Director of Community Education & Partnerships

This year, LEAF is featuring insights from our board and volunteers on why we give our time to this organization. For me, the “why” is woven into almost every chapter of my life. I wear a few hats in our community: I am a long-time district administrator, the current Executive Director of Community Education and Partnerships, and most importantly, the proud parent of three former District 742 students.

Joining the LEAF Board was an easy decision. LEAF acts as a vital bridge between community generosity and classroom need, whether that means funding science lab equipment, ensuring sports are affordable, or supporting innovative classroom projects.

Serving on the board is a natural extension of my work and personal values:

• As a parent: It is my way of paying it forward so today’s students get the same incredible opportunities my own children enjoyed.
• As an administrator: It is a powerful tool that helps support our hard-working staff and brings innovative ideas to life.
• As Executive Director of Community Education: It is the ultimate example of what happens when a community aligns its resources to lift up its youth.

I am incredibly proud to serve on the LEAF Board alongside such passionate volunteers. The investments we make in our youth today shape the fabric of our community tomorrow.

Thank you for your continued support of LEAF, our schools, and our amazing students. Together, we are making a difference that will last for generations.