On a cold Saturday morning in January, the AHS cafeteria was full of warmth as teachers, students, and families gathered for the Arlington Education Foundation’s annual Innovation Showcase. Through interactive presentations, conversations with teachers, performances and games, the Arlington community learned about the many exciting initiatives and experiences AEF supports through its grant process.
Whether demonstrating the new fine motor tools for preschool students or discussing professional learning experiences in Antarctica and Montana, the excitement of participants was clear.
“When we can expand our own horizons, and attend workshops or seminars, we bring that back in our classrooms, and it’s so valuable,” said Heather Mahoney, a Gibbs Language Arts teacher who attended a Montana Writing retreat in 2025 with support from AEF and presented at the showcase.
The showcase highlighted the five types of grants the foundation offers: District Investment and Development & Expansion (for schools and the district); Innovation Grants (for educators); Continuing Scholars (for educators); and Clubs (for students).
The Club Grants, which provide up to $350 for established student groups at Arlington High School, are a new AEF initiative. Leaders of the Anime, Ping Pong, Zoo Crew, and Reading Buddies clubs were all on hand to discuss their activities and the impact of their grant; Ping Pong Club also had a table set up to teach the game to anyone interested.
AHS senior Manish Kumar, a Ping Pong Club leader, said the grant ensures students can attend local ping-pong tournaments without regard to financial means.
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If you want to try the sport and be interested in it, you can,” said Kumar. “You can also take it more seriously and go to tournaments and join the team.”
When not visiting booths, showcase guests enjoyed a scavenger hunt and performances by AHS musical groups. Local businesses including Del’s Lemonade, Book Rack, Andrina’s Pizzeria, Wegmans, Quebrada Baking Co., Cookie Time, Butternut Bakehouse, Above and Beyond Pet Services, Henry Bear’s Park, and Happy Camper enhanced the morning with generous raffle-prize donations.
“It was exciting to meet so many of our grant recipients and hear from them directly about the impact they’re having in our schools,” said Lauren Hague, AEF’s co-president. “We’re already looking forward to next year.”
