The Winchester Education Foundation is pleased to announce this year’s recipients of the Loy “Come Back to Teach“ Education Grants. These grants are funded by a testamentary trust of the late Mindy J. Loy, John Handley Class of 1974. The 2024 Loy “Come Back to Teach” Education grants were awarded at convocation to Savannah Hessinger (John Handley High School), Kara Riley (John Handley High School), and Marisol Rodriguez (Quarles Elementary School.)

Dr. Jason Van Heukelum, Superintendent, sees the impact of the Loy "Come Back to Teach" Education Grants throughout the Division. "The difference these grants make is truly immeasurable," he says. "There is no one who knows our students better than a Handley alumnus. They are able to make a difference in their own communities while paying off their student loan debt or continuing their education. It's a win-win." 

The goals of the Loy “Come Back to Teach” Education Grants are to assist Handley High School graduates who have decided to serve as educators, administrators, and other certificated professionals in the Winchester Public Schools. The Winchester Education Foundation began making these grants in the 2018-2019 school year. Since then, the foundation has awarded more than $150,000 in “Come Back to Teach” grants to educators in the Winchester Public Schools.