January Newsletter

Hello D95 Community!

As I complete my first month as Executive Director of the D95 Educational Foundation, I've been feeling both grateful and energized. As a D95 parent, this role feels deeply personal. My early weeks have been focused on learning the Foundation's work; listening to our Board, our school leaders, and community partners; and gaining a deeper understanding of how the Foundation's investments help turn great ideas into real opportunities for students across our district.

One of the things that has excited me most is seeing how Foundation grants translate into meaningful hands-on learning experiences. In the Grantee Spotlight below, you'll read about a recent grant at LZHS that supports creativity, entrepreneurship, and real-world skill building—an example of the kind of student-centered impact made possible through our community's generosity.

I also hope you'll join me at our upcoming "Studio 95" Gala on February 28! It will be a joyful evening that brings our community together in support of D95 students. Ticket sales close on February 19.

I look forward to what we can accomplish together in the months and years ahead.

In partnership,

Tessa Zevallos

Executive Director

District 95 Educational Foundation

foundation@lz95.org

P.S. Are you interested in serving your D95 community as a member of our Board of Trustees? Read on below...

Students at Lake Zurich High School will soon have an exciting new resource to bring ideas to life thanks to a District 95 Educational Foundation grant supporting a professional-grade textile printing hub in the Learning & Innovation HUB. This Direct-to-Film Printing System will allow students to design and produce custom apparel and products—transforming classroom concepts into tangible, real-world creations. By combining creativity with technology, the project gives students hands-on experience that mirrors modern design and production environments.

The impact reaches across multiple disciplines, including art, fashion, business, marketing, and entrepreneurship. Students will learn to design graphics, understand materials, price products, and even fulfill orders for student-run enterprises. With approximately 300 students expected to use the hub each year, this grant supports learning that builds confidence, problem-solving skills, and career-ready experience—empowering our students to become designers, producers, and ethical business owners.

Join us at "Studio 95" on Saturday, February 28 from 6pm - 11pm, when Concorde Banquets lights up for an evening of music, movement, and meaningful impact. Guests will enjoy great food, an open bar, engaging entertainment, and opportunities to give through silent and live auctions—all in support of District 95 students.

This year’s fundraising goal is $100,000 to support a 3-D interactive anatomy and science learning table, an innovative tool that will elevate health science education and transform the anatomy lab experience for Lake Zurich High School students. We hope to see you on the dance floor!

Interested in a sponsorship? Contact foundation@lz95.org.

We're growing—and so is our impact. If you're interested in serving as a Trustee, joining a Foundation Committee, or supporting our work behind the scenes, we'd love to start a conversation.