Suzanne Lull Outdoor Education Grant
The outdoor education grant, established in 2022, recognizes and honors former principal suzanne lull
During her nine years at Rye Elementary School, she was an educational leader who inspired all children to find their individual learning paths. Her innovative ideas led Rye Elementary through the pandemic while allowing the school and community to find balance with academics and their physical and emotional wellbeing. A plaque at the entrance of the Rye Riptide Reserve honors Mrs. Lull’s integral role in providing space where children learn through nature. Each year, Rye Education Foundation will donate $500 towards innovative outdoor education enhancements.
Lee Ingraham Reading Grant
Lee Ingraham was the Rye Elementary School Principal from 1994-2000. During her time as a principal, her goal was to instill a love of reading in all the children at the school. She was passionate about reading and felt it was the greatest gift we can give to children. Under her leadership, Rye Elementary won the Blue Ribbon of Excellence for the 1998-1999 school year. This grant is to honor Mrs. Ingraham, her dedication to the children at RES, and her love of reading.
Each spring, $500 is awarded to RES to refill the book vending machine in the front entry, honoring Lee’s passion for reading.
Marguerite Kelly Scholarship
In 1995 with the establishment of the Rye Education Foundation the board of directors instituted the Marguerite Kelly Scholarship in honor of the middle school teacher, Mrs. Kelly. She embodied the purpose of education with her passion and commitment to every student finding the unique access point for each child to find his or her love of learning. To commemorate Marguerite's legacy each year the Rye Education Foundation awards a $1000 scholarship to a graduating senior. The graduate is asked to write an essay about a meaningful teacher from her or his time at Rye Elementary School or Rye Junior High School. The Marguerite Kelly selection committee chooses the essay winner, and the Rye Education Foundation presents it to the recipient at graduation.
“My mother believed in the adage, “knowledge is power,” and she took that to a higher level. She tried to develop critical thinking by encouraging her pupils to read outside materials, like newspapers and magazines to broaden their horizons. The more they knew she believed, it may become easier for them to choose a path for the future. They may go on to higher education, trade school, or start a job to help choose a future that excites them. The more they expanded their knowledge the wider their choices became. More knowledge may make life a bit easier. She encouraged continuous learning by any means and believed that there could be joy in learning whether in school or out. The more her students knew the more it improved their lives.”
For details where to submit your essay, please contact Portsmouth High School's guidance department or submit it to blind@sau52.org.