News Photos — Naj Wikoff From left, in back, are: Isabel Williams, Dave Webb, Tyler Rand, Peter Holderied, Bill Madden, Heidi Holderied, Peter Madden, Andrea Montag, Jenn Webb. In the bottom row are Zoe Brown, Natasha Rand, Alex Madden.

Sovereignty was not the only winner of the 151st running of the Kentucky Derby on Saturday. The other winner was Lake Placid Central School teachers and their students, who will benefit from the money raised for the Educational Opportunities Fund.

As of press time, approximately $20,000 has been raised, making it one of the most successful fundraisers to date. Helped was the surge in last-minute attendees who purchased tickets at the door, coupled with strong support for the silent auction items and the number of people who “bid” on horses.”

“We had a fantastic turnout for the Night at the Races derby party; a bit over 125 attended,” exclaimed Lynn Magus, Op Fund treasurer. “It was such a fun night and great to catch up with so many friends after spring breaks. We are incredibly grateful to the community members who continue to come out each year and to the Holderied family, who generously hosts the event, allowing one hundred percent of ticket and auction sales to flow back into the district. The amount raised will allow the Ed Op Fund to help provide more opportunities for our local students.”

The fourth edition of Derby Day was great fun. It allowed people to dress up, which they did with great creativity and flair. Added to the fun was the ability to purchase horseshoes with randomly selected names of horses in the event and then see if one of yours won the race. The light rain in Lexington, Kentucky, resulted in the horses running on mud, an element that shifted the odds of which horse might win, making the race more exciting to watch.

The money raised enables students to participate in a wide array of educational experiences that ordinarily are out of reach, experiences that the teachers know can make a big difference in a young person’s life. Many times, teachers have reached into their pockets to fund such activities as best they could. The Education Opportunity Fund allows them to make the case for the activity they wish to undertake, and, if successful, fund experiences previously out of reach.

From left are Darcy Rowe Norfolk, Trina Kroes, Jenn Holderied and Carrie Donatello.

The Fund also supports activities proposed by students, such as summer book shopping at the Book Fair held at John Brown’s Farm, educational field trips and regional college visitation trips.

Part of the fun was how welcoming the space looked and felt. The outcome of the Holderieds’ core aesthetics was augmented by Derby Day decorations created by Cheryl Morris and other volunteers.

“I was glad to volunteer because I love all that the Educational Opportunities Fund accomplishes and because helping to decorate the venue is such fun,” said Cheryl Morris.

“I came because I know people on the board and love supporting educational opportunities,” said Macie Huwiler.

“I’m here to support Lake Placid Education because education is the key to everything,” said Janet Smith.

From left are Tina Stubbs, LPES teaching assistant; Sonja Franklin, LPES principal; and Bryan Magnus.

“The fund gives a lot of money back to the school, enabling them to participate in activities they normally would not be able to attend,” said Sonja Franklin, Principal of Lake Placid Elementary School.

“Because of the Fund, our kids have been the beneficiary as it allows our kids who do not have a lot of money to participate in many wonderful and unique experiences.”

“I support the fund because it provides educational opportunities for local kids,” said Michael McGlynn, who donated a gift basked from Lake Placid Spirits for the silent auction. “What could be more important? Education is the most important need for any human on the planet.”

The Holderieds’ reasons for hosting the event were similar to those of the attendees; many of their friends are teachers, and their children are students in the public school.

“We’re supporting this event because the money raised provides so many important opportunities for kids,” said Peter Holderied. “We also support this event because it’s a community effort; it’s good for the town, it’s good for the school, and it’s a good time: it’s a wonderful way to celebrate spring and launch the summer to come.”

Those who selected the winning horse were: Mara Smith, Lynn Magnus, Julie Chavoustie, Sibyl Quayle.

“We are supporting this event partly because our kids attend Lake Placid Central,” said Jenn Holderied. The teachers need this support. They know what the kids need; nobody knows better how to connect with those kids than them. The Op Fund provides teachers with a bit of freedom and an organization they can go to when they have a creative idea, be it for something in the classroom or a little bit out of the box.”

One of those creative ideas was by art teachers Sandy Huber and Alan Robinson, which was to take their students to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City and the Storm King Art Center, the five-hundred-acre outdoor sculpture park in the Hudson Valley.

“The trip to New York City was phenomenal and very educational. Having the opportunity to go on this trip was incredible,” wrote student Hailey Giles. “Being able to go and see all of the artwork at the Metropolitan Museum of Art with my art class was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The Museum was breathtaking. I am beyond grateful for this experience. I want to thank everyone who made this trip possible.”

“The Fund’s board is the most rewarding one I’ve ever been on,” said Elizabeth “Betsy” Baxter. “We see the money we raise go right back to support local kids and their teachers. We can’t thank the Holderieds enough. I am so grateful for all the people who came to support this cause and have a bit of fun. We can’t thank them enough, including all those who donated to the silent auction.”

People who missed the event but wish to support the Fund can do so through its website: https://www.edopfund.org.