The Williams-Rockwell Educational Gift Fund Committee met on February 26, 2025 to distribute this year’s round of grants to applicants from the Gardner Public School System. The committee was able to distribute $208,855.75 for 35 different projects which will take place over the remainder of the academic year and beyond.

“I’m very proud of the grants have been awarded to support innovative programs in the Gardner Public Schools,” said Gardner Mayor Mike Nicholson who also serves as the Chair of the Rockwell Trustees. “Through our staff at Gardner Public Schools, these outstanding programs are making a significant impact on our students. These grants will provide essential resources to help inspire and engage students, with positive contributions to their personal and academic growth. From advancements to our band programs, to field trips that enrich classroom lessons, to advanced academic materials- this year’s grant cycle provided some really cool initiatives for our students to take advantage of.”

Gardner’s Superintendent of Public Schools, Dr. Mark Pellegrino remarked, “We are thrilled with the support the Williams Rockwell program provides for our schools! Once again, the committee awarded thousands of dollars in grants that support programs and opportunities for students that the district would not be able to afford otherwise. These grants help to make the experience for our students exceptional.”

The Williams-Rockwell Education Gift Fund was established in 2014 following the auction of Norman Rockwell’s “Willie Gillis in the Convoy” painting. The City endowed the proceeds from the sale and awards up to 90% of the annual income of the count as grants to Gardner Public School staff through an annual application process. The fund was set up to provide financial assistance to projects and programs requested by the faculty and administration of Gardner Public Schools to enrich the experiences of Gardner’s students. The grants are funded by the interest and capital gains earned from investments of the sale price of the painting. From the auction to the disbursement of the grants, the Williams-Rockwell Educational Gift Fund has been a collective effort in bringing about a way to give back to the city and its students for years to come. To date, the Committee has awarded $818,979.75.

Council President George Tyros added, “The Williams-Rockwell Gift is a unique opportunity Gardner has each year to fund these projects and programs that might otherwise not be available to students in our community. I want to thank those who took the time to ideate these programs and the Trustees for their dedication to ensuring these funds are put to their best use.”

 As required by the fund’s governing statute, awards were given out to both arts related applications as well as applications that promote athletics and academics in our schools. “I’m extremely grateful the band program will be able to purchase a new marimba, xylophone, and vibes,” said Doug Lepisto, Gardner High School Band Teacher. “The ones we currently have are about 20-25 years old and have seen many repairs over the years. This will be a huge help to the program as our numbers continue to grow after bringing back the elementary school band position a few years ago. It’s great to be part of a community with leadership that supports the art and music programs both with staffing and equipment.”

“The School Committee is thankful that this fund can continue to supplement enrichment activities for the students in the arts, and beyond,” explained Rachel Cormier, Vice School Committee Chair. With the help of the faculty submissions and the Rockwell Committee’s review process, the investment will benefit the schools for years to come. I look forward to learning more about the latest projects and talking with teachers and administrators about the positive impacts they will have.”

“I would like to thank Mayor Nicholson and the entire Williams-Rockwell Education Fund Selection Committee for the generous award that was given to the 6th grade class at Gardner Middle School. This money will be used to subsidize the tuition that students will need to pay to attend Outdoor Classroom (formerly known as Nature’s Classroom) as well as paying for all transportation. This year we were able to reduce tuition by 30%!  We are working very hard at GMS to make this experience attainable for ALL students in the 6th grade and the money from the Williams-Rockwell Grant is instrumental in helping us attain this goal” said Annette Lussier, Gardner Middle School Science Teacher.

“Twenty-five years ago I was given a permanent space room A-7 at Gardner High School. The furniture and setup of the room were pieced together with items that nobody wanted. Over the years I’ve made adjustments while making this space a home and a haven for the students of GHS. A few years ago, I was finally able to get new tables through a Rockwell grant and this year we are doing some more upgrading of cabinetry and projector. We are hoping to complete the room transformation next year with the final pieces of new storage; to give the room a cohesive look” said Frances LeMieux, Gardner High School Art Teacher. “In addition, we have received a grant to take a field trip to the Worcester Art Museum, which will include a tour and workshop opportunity for our art students. Ironically, the last time we were granted a museum trip, it had been scheduled for May of 2020 and we all know what happened that year. So I’m very excited to again be introducing the museum/workshop experience to our current students as most have never been to an art museum.”

By law, the membership on the Board of Trustees who votes to award the grants is made up of three members appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the City Council, the City Treasurer, the Superintendent of Schools, a member of the School Committee, the City Council President or their designee, and the Mayor or his designee who serves as chair.

 “I am very happy to hear that we are able to continue to give back to our students through this program,” said Mayor Michael Nicholson. “The projects submitted for this year’s round of funding were certainly unique and help provide valuable resources to help enrich our students’ academic careers. This fund truly makes a big difference in helping Gardner Public Schools provide our students with a modern academic experience that stands out from other districts. I’m looking forward to seeing our students take advantage of these programs in the future.”

Join Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Mass & MetroWest for Big Bites at our Big Celebration! We invite you to be part of this inspiring evening filled with delicious food, meaningful connections, and the celebration of mentorship. The event will include small-plates and hors d’oeuvres from local restaurants, a live auction, and lots of fun! Together, we can ignite change, empower youth, and build brighter futures for 650 Littles – and counting!

Saturday, April 5, 2025
Top of the Tower | Worcester, MA

5:00PM – Sponsor Reception Begins (sponsors & special guests)

6:00PM – The Main Event Begins

March 14, 2025 Update: the event has sold out!

Please contact with any questions.