Lancaster Education Foundation

Lancaster Education Foundation The Lancaster Education Foundation was established in 1989 to promote educational excellence in the School District of Lancaster. Mr.

The mission of the LEF is to enrich the education of students in the School District of Lancaster by cultivating connections with alumni and the community, strengthening support, and transforming investment into meaningful educational opportunities. Robert Scheffey, a member of the School Board 1971-1985 and the Lancaster Education Foundation’s first president said in a 1990 press release, “We intend to support a variety of school projects which otherwise would not exist, in areas of technology and learning, scholastic enrichment, arts and education, careers and vocations and cultural enrichment.”

Since its inception, the Foundation has raised and distributed over $7 million for the benefit of District students. Examples of projects funded by the Foundation include equipment for “electronic classrooms” in the District’s middle schools, the “Tools for Schools” campaign in 2000 to provide resources for course materials in grades 4-10, and the development of the small learning communities at the high school campus through the awarding of a $4 million dollar Gates Foundation grant. The Foundation also raises money for and funds Venture Grants and Horizon Grants. Through the Venture Grant program, teachers may apply for funds to put innovative ideas into practice. These grants are effective because they put funds directly into the classroom. Since 2001, over $800,000 has been provided to teachers though these grants which are funded through donations from area business partners participating in the Pennsylvania Educational Investment Tax Credit (EITC) program and individual gifts. The new Horizon Grants allow teachers to enrich their teaching knowledge and practice by providing funding for participation in educational opportunities out of the local area. They are funded through the proceeds of our fundraising event, “Are You Smarter than a SDoL 5th Grader.”

The Foundation also manages resources for more than thirty scholarships, given annually to District students. These scholarships have been established either by individuals and families to honor a particular person or by a bequest. Additionally, due to our non-profit 501 (c) (3) status, the Foundation is a partner with the District in applying for and receiving grants for special projects. The McCaskey Alumni Association, established in 1994, is organized under the Lancaster Education Foundation and assists alumni in reunions, selects and honors Distinguished Alumni annually, serves as the historian for the District, oversees the 19th century Museum School located at Carter and MacRae Elementary and promotes other activities to raise funds for and support pride in McCaskey High School. https://www.facebook.com/pages/McCaskey-High-School-Alumni-Page/122830934473338

Our Distinguished Alumni recipient reminds us that success is not defined by ease, but by perseverance. Kyle’s story is ...
09/15/2026

Our Distinguished Alumni recipient reminds us that success is not defined by ease, but by perseverance. Kyle’s story is one of overcoming obstacles, embracing support, and proving that determination can shape a remarkable life.

From his early years at the S. June Smith Center to his time in McCaskey wrestling program and marching band, Kyle has shown what it means to work hard, stay committed, and uplift those around him.

We proudly recognize 𝗞𝘆𝗹𝗲 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝗠𝗰𝗪𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗮𝗺𝘀, whose journey reflects the true spirit of McCaskey.

Our next Distinguished Alumni recipient reminds us that success is not defined by ease, but by perseverance. Kyle’s story is one of overcoming obstacles, embracing support, and proving that determination can shape a remarkable life. From his early years at the S. June Smith Center to his time in McCaskey’s wrestling program and marching band, Kyle has shown what it means to work hard, stay committed, and uplift those around him. Tonight, we proudly recognize 𝗞𝘆𝗹𝗲 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝗠𝗰𝗪𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗮𝗺𝘀, whose journey reflects the true spirit of McCaskey.

𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘂𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗲𝗱 𝗔𝗹𝘂𝗺𝗻𝗶 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁

𝗞𝘆𝗹𝗲 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝗠𝗰𝗪𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗮𝗺𝘀’𝟬𝟱
I was born in Lancaster General Hospital on September 16, 1985, and became the son of Charles S. and Darlene K. (Bracken) McWilliams. Life was not very easy for me as a child born with Down’s Syndrome.

There were many obstacles to overcome at an early age just to be able to survive. Thanks to the S. June Smith Center, I started a regimen of physical therapy at the age of three months old to learn how to do many tasks that most babies could accomplish on their own.

My mom was an elementary school teacher and was a great trainer to me as I was in my early childhood. By the time I was six years old I was able to attend kindergarten at Wickersham Elementary School, then Lincoln Middle School, followed by McCaskey East, then was a 2005 graduate of JP McCaskey High School. While in school I participated in the wrestling program for six years under Coach Mitchell and played in the percussion pit of McCaskey High School marching band.

My sisters, Melanie and Sharyn, preceded me through my schooling and were of great help in paving the way for their little brother to make a successful completion of each grade until graduation. For the past 22 years I have been employed full-time by the local Home Depot in the paint department. I wish to give my fellow employees and management a big thank you for their consistent encouragement over those years and looking forward to the years ahead with the company.

Thank you to the McCaskey Alumni Association for recognizing me as a Distinguished McCaskey Alumni.

A social worker, university administrator, fire captain, longtime Home Depot employee and Capitol Hill reporter make up ...
09/14/2026

A social worker, university administrator, fire captain, longtime Home Depot employee and Capitol Hill reporter make up the McCaskey Alumni Association's 2026 class of Distinguished Alumni.

Join us in congratulating:
Lakeesha M. Bair-Myers ’91
Dr. Christina Pantoja Williams ’99
Captain Samar Rudolph ’03
Kyle Charles McWilliams ’05
Kevin Frey ’11

They will be honored during the association’s 30th Annual Distinguished McCaskey Alumni's Awards Banquet on Thursday, Oct. 15.

The banquet will be held from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at The Imperial Event Center. Read the full announcement in the comments.

Congratulations Tornado!

08/31/2026

08/24/2026
08/21/2026

Thank you to the people who came out to P.J. Whelihans: Eat for Good for Lancaster Education Foundation last night! How fitting that there was a tornado warning and SDoL is the Red Tornadoes. We had a great time!!

Congratulations to Lakeesha Bair-Myers, School Social Worker at Reynolds Middle School, on being named one of YWCA Lanca...
08/21/2026

Congratulations to Lakeesha Bair-Myers, School Social Worker at Reynolds Middle School, on being named one of YWCA Lancaster's 2026 Women of Achievement honorees!

A proud McCaskey High School alumna, Lakeesha returned to the School District of Lancaster to serve the community that helped shape her. Every day, she helps students and families feel supported and equipped with the resources they need to succeed.

At the Lancaster Education Foundation, we’re proud to celebrate educators and professionals whose commitment to students extends far beyond the classroom. Lakeesha’s leadership and service are making a meaningful difference throughout SDoL and across Lancaster.

Congratulations, Lakeesha, on this well-deserved recognition. We look forward to celebrating you at the Women of Achievement Awards on October 29!

08/20/2026

The Tornado Warning has passed. Come support the Red Tornado at P.J. Whelihans: Eat for Good for Lancaster Education Foundation.

08/20/2026

Dinner plans?
Come to PJ Whelihans!
Tonight

Address

445 N. Reservoir Street
Lancaster, PA
17602

Opening Hours

Monday 7:30am - 3:30pm
Tuesday 7:30am - 3:30pm
Wednesday 7:30am - 3:30pm
Thursday 7:30am - 3:30pm

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+17173918660

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