The celebration will be held at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 13 at the Keene Valley Country Club.

In a press release, we learned that the High Peaks Education Foundation started with no money. Yet, thanks to “many generous donors and wise investment with Adirondack Foundation,” the HPEF can now give from $30,000 to $50,000 in grants per year for enhanced programming, giving KCS students “opportunities that are the envy of teachers, parents and students in many other larger schools.”

At first, the goal of the organization was to make sure every local household had internet service. Then came classroom enhancements, such as high-grade air filter units during the coronavirus pandemic, white boards and sit-upons for students to use, as classes are often held outside. There were special teacher project grants and visits from a variety of disciplines, including music, art and social/emotional professionals for faculty and students.

“Off-campus programming has opened students’ eyes to the world with multi-age trips about every other year to countries in Europe, with next year’s trip being a marine biology trip to Bermuda,” the press release states.

KCS students enter countywide and statewide competitions in art, music, Envirothon, climate matters and robotics, as well as leadership training courses.

A high percentage of KCS graduates go on to further their education in technical as well as two- and four-year colleges and universities.

Graduates of KCS live abroad, in nearly every state of the U.S., and many have returned to this area, where they contribute to the local economy, according to the HPEF. Their careers include health care, architecture, construction, automotive, environmental advocacy, electricians, culinary arts, forest rangers, law enforcement and education, with a number of former graduates on the faculty and staff at Keene Central School.

Graduates also contribute to the community by volunteering for local organizations such as the fire departments, Youth Commission, and with the Parent, Teacher, Student Committee at school, as well as serving on the school board and coaching sports.

“Keene Central School is small but mighty thanks in no small part to the High Peaks Education Foundation,” the press release states.

We wholeheartedly agree. Keene Central is a special place. Ask the people who have gone to school there, have had children attend there or who have simply visited. We are continually impressed with the high quality of education and services and creative opportunities for students. It starts with the faculty, staff, administrators and board members, but they couldn’t do it without the support from the Keene community. And the High Peaks Education Foundation is a major part of that support system.

Congratulations, and thank you for 25 years of service.