Former Teacher raises funds for teacher wish lists at lake of the woods school
Mary Jo Daly, a retired teacher who now lives in Baudette, has taken on a new role in her retirement: raising funds to support teachers at Lake of the Woods School. Daly, who taught for 30 years in the North St. Paul/Maplewood/Oakdale schools, has been actively involved in various support roles at Lake of the Woods School since moving with her husband to Baudette after their last child finished high school and went to college. During the 2021/22 school year, she worked at the school as the COVID-19 Coordinator. Since then, she has held various support roles, including assisting in the health office, helping with summer school, managing food services, and completing projects in the district office. In addition to her work at the school, Daly has found a unique way to raise funds for teacher wish lists. She started by selling produce and baked goods from her garden in Williams, raising about $1,300 last year. This year, she hosted a "Teacher Wish List Fundraiser Garage Sale" at her home, which included donated items, fresh produce, and baked goods. The event was a success, raising a total of $4,427 for teacher wish lists. The funds raised by Daly have been used to purchase items from lists teachers compile as their “wish lists” for their classroom. Items include art supplies, pencils, snacks for students, hands-on materials, classroom decor, books, games, mental health supports, and organizational items. These items help to create a more engaging and inclusive learning environment for students, she said. Daly's efforts have been met with much appreciation from teachers and community members alike. Her work highlights the ongoing need for additional funding in schools and the important role that community support can play in meeting those needs. “I have always believed in the message that if I ‘do small things with great love’ I can leave my little part of the world just a little bit brighter than when I found it. That is the power we all have,” Daly said.
FCCLA Delegation shines at National Leadership Conference
Samantha Alme
samantha.tribunepaper@gmail.com
On Thursday, July 3, 2025, four members of the Badger Family, Career, & Community Leaders of America (FCCLA), accompanied by Advisors Gretchen Lee and Kaitlyn Walsh, along with chaperone Brent Walsh, embarked on an inspiring journey from Minneapolis to Orlando. They gathered at the Orange County Convention Center to take part in the National Leadership Conference. Paige Rybakowski made headlines by advancing from the State Conference with her innovative Memorable Movement project in National Programs in Action. She organized an engaging evening filled with activities for elementary students, supported by fellow chapter members. Bethanie VonEnde showcased her Chapter Service Project, which involved creating and implementing a Kindness Rocks garden tBadgero warmly welcome students into the school. Emily Burkel and Avearah Hanson also contributed by presenting their Nutrition and Wellness projects, which focused on family members’ health. The Dare to Dream Conference provided enriching opportunities for students to enhance their leadership skills, network with peers, manage their time effectively, set goals, and explore officer roles. The Minnesota delegation enjoyed a memorable evening at Cocoa Beach, where they took a refreshing swim in the ocean. The conference also featured an exciting night at Universal Studios, capped off by a keynote speech from Alton Fitzgerald White, known for his portrayal of Mufasa in The Lion King. On Tuesday, Paige, Bethanie, Emily, and Avearah presented their Students Taking Action with Recognition (STAR) events. The awards ceremony on Wednesday showcased their hard work, with Paige and Bethanie earning Silver and Emily and Avearah achieving Gold. Notably, Avearah received one of the top 10 scores nationwide and was honored on stage in front of over 10,000 attendees! The conference culminated in a celebration at Aquatica, Sea World’s waterpark, before the Badger FCCLA delegates returned home on July 10, proudly representing their chapter, school, and community. Excitement is already building for next year’s National Leadership Conference in Washington D.C.