Los Alamos High School Class of 1969 at their reunion in September. Photo Courtesy LAPS Foundation
Los Alamos High School Class of 1989 at their reunion in August. Photo Courtesy LANL Foundation
LAPSF NEWS
Members of the Los Alamos High School (LAHS) class of 1989 have started a new tradition, and they have issued a cordial fundraising challenge to other graduating classes. During the 1989 reunion in August, besides the usual social events, the class undertook a fundraiser in which they raised more than $10,000 for the Los Alamos Public Schools Foundation. This fundraising challenge has become a fun and interactive way for LAHS alumni to give back to the schools that gave them their start.
The original creators of the challenge were Dave Lyons and Stephanie Archuleta, who are both members of the LAPS Foundation board and the class of 1989. Lyons emphasized that the goal of the fundraisers is, “to increase the Foundation’s ability to provide a variety of grants and other types of support that give educators the resources to make sure that every kid in this district feels like they belong and feels that they can accomplish the next thing in their life—whether that’s college, going into the military, becoming an apprentice or going straight into the workforce.” Lyons noted he was impressed with how the classes of 1969 and 1979 immediately rose to the challenge and took this as an opportunity to make an impact on their former school.
“Fundraising is a shared responsibility and an opportunity for all classes to collaborate and/or partner to make a larger and meaningful difference,” said Abel Chavez, a co-organizer for the class of 1969 reunion.” He added, “…fundraising is building a legacy for LAHS alumni by giving back to teachers and paying forward to students.” Chavez and his classmates raised over $5000 for the LAPS Foundation, not only through individual donations but also through a silent auction. The silent auction featured items contributed by classmates that displayed the class of 1969’s creativity and passion to make a difference. While the class of 1969 met their goal for the LAPS Foundation, their dedication goes even further, as they raised enough money to also create a scholarship for graduating LAHS seniors.
Although the class reunions have passed, there is still time for all three classes to make an impact by donating on their respective webpages: lapsfoundation.com/classof1969, lapsfoundation.com/classof1979, and lapsfoundation.com/classof1989.
Other LAHS classes looking to take on this friendly challenge should contact the LAPS Foundation to learn how they can make a difference. “If you’re fortunate enough to have had opportunities in life, it’s important I believe to find ways to give back,” said Lyons.
The Los Alamos Public Schools Foundation is an independent 501(c)3 organization that supports, challenges, and invests in a successful future for all Los Alamos public school students. Since its inception in 2005, the LAPS Foundation has raised more than $1.5 million to fund opportunities and materials for students, provide professional development for district educators, defray operating expenses, and assist with capital improvements to enrich learning environments in the Los Alamos public schools. The Foundation raises money through generous contributions from individuals and organizations who share the Foundation’s core values. To learn more about the LAPS Foundation and how to get involved and/or make a donation, visit www.lapsfoundation.com or call 505.500.6501.