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The Foundation for Educators at Lincoln-Sudbury (FELS) announced the recipients of its 2026 grant cycle, awarding nine grants to faculty and staff members to pursue their personal and professional passions. The grants were officially presented during an awards ceremony held on April 15, with Superintendent-Principal Andrew Stephens joining the FELS Board for the celebration.
Celebrating its 26th year, the non-profit organization experienced a record number of applications for this cycle. Since its founding in 2000, FELS has awarded nearly 160 grants, providing almost $210,000 in total funding to Lincoln-Sudbury (L-S) educators.
The grants are designed to fund personal refreshment, long-held aspirations, course work, or travel, all of which are undertaken during school vacations and summer recess. The 2026 grant recipients, their proposals, and their destinations are as follows:
- Damian Attidore (English) received a grant for his proposal, “FIFA World Cup – Boston”.
- David Bloom (English) received a grant for his proposal, “Exploring the History of Racism in America,” which will take him to Georgia and Alabama.
- Kayla DeWees (Excel Program) received a grant for her proposal, “High Desert Watercolor” in New Mexico.
- Alison Eichmann (Student Services) received a grant for her proposal, “Reconnecting with Nature, Horses, and Self” in New Hampshire.
- Sage Engberg (English) received a grant for her proposal, “Traversing the Brooks Range” in Alaska.
- Conor Hanover (History) received a grant for his proposal, “Emerald Origins” in Ireland.
- David Hosford (English) received a grant for his proposal, “China: Then and Now” in China.
- Doreen McCarthy (South House) received a grant for her proposal, “Rings Rings and more Rings” in Western MA.
- Brendan Sarles (Math) received a grant for his proposal, “Learning Consistency Through Ironman Triathlon Training” in Texas.
FELS was created to give parents a tangible way to express appreciation for the unflagging dedication, tireless effort, and genuine caring the L-S professional staff routinely offers students. Operating under the guiding principle “Inspired Teachers Inspire Students,” the organization funds these enrichment grants entirely through donations to its annual appeals and proceeds from fundraisers. These local fundraising efforts include the annual FELS Thanksgiving Pie Sale and Prom Flower Sales. All L-S faculty and staff are eligible to apply for the grants.
Due to the record high number of applications this year, the foundation noted that they could not fully support some of the other wonderful grant ideas submitted. Community members wishing to support future educator grants can find donation links and further information on the organization’s website at www.FELSGrant.org.
