THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, MArCH 7, 2025 Page 9 Saugus Cultural Council names this year’s grant winners T he Saugus Cultural Council is pleased to announce the recipients of the FY25 cultural grants awarded to local organizations and individuals who work diligently to enhance the cultural vibrancy of our community. The following grant awardees were selected through a competitive process in fall 2024, based on the Saugus Cultural Council’s published priorities and guidelines. These grants are a testament to the Saugus Cultural Council’s commitment to supporting cultural arts programs and events that not only showcase diversity but also enhance the overall well-being of Saugus residents. Priority was given to programs and events that are held within Saugus and that are free, inclusive and accessible to all members of our community. This year’s awardees and their exciting initiatives include: • Breakheart’s Annual Fall Festival: a beloved event that brings the community together to celebrate the change of season with entertainment, food and fun for all ages. • Asian Cultural Education OP-ED | FROM PAGE 3 State Tournament. It’s been a remarkable shift. Our teams were largely unknown a few years ago, but today, we’re making it to tournaments and consistently challenging the larger public school programs. Our athletes are not only competing; they’re excelling. This growth reflects our broader mission to provide students with academic rigor and athletic opportunities that will help them succeed regardless of their future path. The success of our athletics is rooted in several key factors. First, our small school model allows us to offer personalized attention and tailored programs. With fewer students, we can be more flexible and adapt to each individual’s needs, whether that means providing extra Workshops: a series of workshops aimed at fostering understanding and appreciation of Asian cultural traditions and practices. • Technology Classes at the Senior Center: empowering seniors with the skills they need to engage with modern technology, ensuring they stay connected and informed. • Various Programs at the Public Library: The library will offer a range of enriching cultural and educational programs that are open to residents of all ages. The next application period for the local cultural grant will open on Sept. 1 and close in mid-October. The Saugus Cultural Council encourages local individuals, organizations and event organizers to apply and continue contributing to the cultural vibrancy of Saugus. For more information about the local cultural grant program or this year’s grant recipients, please reach out to saugusculturalcouncil@gmail.com. The Saugus Cultural Council looks forward to continuing the growth of our community’s cultural ecosystem. Here is a comprehensive list of this year’s grant recipients. academic support or focusing on their athletic development. We can push hard in one area and pull back when necessary in another, ensuring students can balance their academic work and athletic commitments. Another reason for our success is the dedication of our coaching staff. We’ve brought in outside coaches who’ve raised the bar significantly. These coaches help our student-athletes see what high-level competition looks like and encourage them to match that intensity. These coaches have instilled in our players a more competitive mindset and a deeper, profound commitment to practice and preparation. Our student-athletes now understand what it takes to compete at the highest level, and they’re doing it. Finally, the family-like atmosphere created at PCSS Name Boys & Girls Club of Stoneham, Inc. Gallery Wall Hammersmith Quilters Guild Helping Hands of Breakheart Reservation, Inc. KevTech Services, Inc. MUSIC Dance.edu MUSIC Dance.edu Massachusetts Educational Theater Guild, Inc. Pham, Windy Porcino, John P. Powell, Jennifer Saugus Public Library Saugus Public Library Saugus Public Library Saugus Public Library Saugus Public Library Saugus Public Library Saugus Public Library The Delvena Theatre Co. The Delvena Theatre Co. The Delvena Theatre Co. Veterans Memorial School Waterman, Jon Young Men’s Christian Assoc. of Metro North, Inc. Zaino, Nick and PCSS II encourages students to uplift and support one another in the classroom and on the field. Our coaches, students, and staff are deeply committed to each other’s success. While we may not have the state-of-the-art facilities that some schools offer, we make up for it with determination, heart, and a relentless focus on improvement. This family spirit and our rigorous academic environment give students the tools they need to succeed. Having been at PCSS and PCSS II since their beginnings, it’s been incredibly fulfilling to see how far we’ve come. From starting with just a few teams and minimal resources, our athletic programs have grown alongside our academic success. The stories of our alums returning to campus, sharing their successes in winning chamProject Title Hammersmith Guild Quilt Show 2025 Breakheart Fall Fest Beginner Technology Classes I am Autistic I am Fantastic – The Musical Celebrating Asian Culture: Educational Workshops for Children Amount $1,150 $1,000 $1,800 $3,000 Hip Hop Chair Dance for Seniors! – a dance series $600 $580 Massachusetts High School Drama Festival $1,000 $1,000 To Life!: Celebrations in Story, Song and Music $450 Sculpture “You are here” Styling with Vintage and Thrifted Items Jerry Pallotta VELC School Visit Eyes on Owls Hydrangea Painting Pop Up Art School Early Release Art Programming: Clay Melted Snowman Book Making with Kelly Slater Bon Voyage, Forever! Jack The Ripper Nun of This and Nun of That – One More Time! Curious George and the Golden Meatball Live Music Making History Live Y Academy Music & Movement 100 Years of Boston Comedy pionships or excelling in their careers, are a testament to the potential and promise of our schools. These success stories are not just individual triumphs but collective achievements that we can all be proud of. All are reminders of why I do this work. Charter schools like PCSS and PCSS II are not just about providing a winning combination of academic excellence and athletic opportunity. We are committed to creating an environment where students can thrive, succeed in sports and academics, and are supported by a community that genuinely cares about their success. As our athletics continue to grow and our students achieve even more, I’m excited for what the future holds. We’re just getting started, and there’s no limit to what our students can accomplish. $2,175 Classical Music at the Saugus Public Library $3,000 $300 $1,420 $755 $325 $375 $387 $795 $695 $695 $3,600 $300 $1,000 $250 TOWN MEETING | FROM PAGE 7 tinuing my efforts to implement them. Addressing crime in our neighborhood remains a top priority. Last summer, we saw a spike in car break-ins, and unfortunately, this trend is likely to continue unless we take action. We need to increase overnight police presence and establish a neighborhood watch program to help deter crime and improve community safety. Another key focus is continuing to enhance Anna Parker Playground. The new courts have already been put to great use, and we’re excited about what’s next. Upgrading the playground and fields TOWN MEETING | SEE PAGE 12
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