Local educational initiatives receive support from STAR Foundation

TOMAHAWK – The Support Tomahawk Area Resources (STAR) Foundation recently announced that it awarded nearly $7,000.00 in grants to support various initiatives at the School District of Tomahawk and St. Mary's School during the 2025-26 school year.

Acting as a community chest for businesses and individuals, the STAR Foundation makes charitable grants to community groups, clubs and nonprofit organizations that contribute to the health and vitality of the Tomahawk area.

The STAR Foundation said it “provides support to groups and/or organizations when they need it.”

Since its inception in April 2004, the STAR Foundation has donated more than $400,000.00 to local community groups.

A release from the STAR Foundation said the recent contributions from its Beyond Crayons and Chromebooks grant program backed a variety of projects and helped educators bring innovative ideas to life while creating meaningful experiences for students of all ages.

The funded projects covered a wide range of interests and learning opportunities, according to the STAR Foundation.

“Elementary students explored the human body through hands-on anatomy models and interactive learning tools,” the STAR Foundation stated. “Life Skills students gained valuable independence and real-world experience through cooking lessons that incorporated academic, communication and social-emotional learning. High school students developed practical skills through culinary enrichment programs, CPR certification training, yearbook photography and open lab opportunities focused on design, 3D printing and creativity.”

Several projects extended beyond the classroom and directly benefited the broader Tomahawk community, the STAR Foundation noted.

“Through the ‘Light Up Christmas’ project, Tomahawk High School metals students partnered with community organizations to fabricate holiday decorations that help create a festive downtown atmosphere,” the STAR Foundation stated. “The project not only beautifies public spaces, but also provides students with authentic, hands-on experience applying technical skills to real-world projects.”

Student leadership and school culture also received support through Tomahawk High School's Link Crew program. The STAR Foundation explained that grant funding helped provide shirts that identify student leaders as they mentor and support incoming freshmen, fostering a welcoming environment and helping younger students successfully transition to high school.

At Tomahawk Elementary School, students experienced the arts in a unique way through Opera for the Young.

“The program introduced K-5 students to live opera and provided opportunities to interact directly with performers, exposing students to professional careers in music and the performing arts,” the STAR Foundation said. “Twenty-two fourth- and fifth-grade students even had the opportunity to perform alongside the cast.”

St. Mary's School also benefited from grant funding. Students enhanced their understanding of anatomy through engaging hands-on materials, while the school's growing music program expanded its percussion resources, allowing more students to participate in drumming activities that build teamwork, rhythm, listening skills and confidence, according to the STAR Foundation.

Across all projects, the STAR Foundation said, educators reported increased student engagement, enthusiasm and participation.

“Many noted that the grant funding provided opportunities that would not have otherwise been possible within existing school budgets,” the STAR Foundation stated. “More importantly, the projects helped students develop life skills, leadership abilities, creativity, career awareness and a stronger connection to their community.”

The STAR Foundation said its Beyond Crayons and Chromebooks grant program “continues to make a lasting impact on students throughout the Tomahawk area, funding creative educational opportunities that inspire learning both inside and outside the classroom.”

“The STAR Foundation's Beyond Crayons and Chromebooks grant program was created to support innovative educational experiences that go beyond traditional classroom resources,” the STAR Foundation stated. “The success of this year's projects demonstrates the powerful impact local philanthropy can have on students, educators and the community as a whole. As many of these programs continue into future school years, the benefits of these investments will be felt far beyond the classrooms where they began.”