Grants this year were more than double what was awarded last year and covered submissions from Gardner Elementary, Gardner Middle, Gardner High, and Gardner Academy.
Williams-Rockwell 2025 Grants Total over $208k
The Williams-Rockwell Educational Gift Fund Committee awarded $208,855.75 to 35 different projects this year compared to $82,831.60 to 15 different projects in 2024. Gardner Mayor Nicholson, Council President Tyros, and School Superintendent Mark Pellegrino all had positive comments. The Mayor stated in part “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“
Background: The Williams-Rockwell Education Gift Fund was established in 2014 following the auction of Norman Rockwell’s “Willie Gillis in the Convoy” painting. 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 almost 819k.
Here’s the complete list of grants awarded: 1. $3890 for magnetic communication boards at Gardner Elementary School to support kids with limited language skills. 2. $20,000 to Gardner Middle School to fund the transportation and subsidize the experience of the Outdoor Classroom Experience. 3. $10,046.32 to purchase the Gardner Middle School’s first set of theater microphones 4. $2036.90 for a fieldtrip to the Worcester Bravehearts for English Language and multilingual learners. 5. $4410.36 for new black art stools with backs for Gardner High School. 6. $1253.95 for ceramics classroom mobile cart, 7. $1050 for ceramics classroom kiln shelf cart 8. ceramics classroom mobile storage bins. 6,7,8 at Gardner High School at the High School. .9. $322.18 for Arts after School supplies at GHS 10. $1700 for It’s Electric STEM sets for GMS 11. $2454 for a Makerspace 3D printer at GMS 12. $3640 to send Grade 10 to the Hanover Theatre to see an in-person performance of “A Christmas Carol”. 13. $1523.98 for sensory light tables for GES 14. $10,000 to be able to maintain the elimination of user fees for athletics at GMS. 15. $4000 for DJ Equipment at GHS 16. $9500 for body microphones for GHS plays and shows 17. $4157.70 for drumline harnesses and bass drum stands for GHS. 18. $3750 to create a mural at the Gardner Elementary School. 19. $2500 for intramural, fitness, and recreation at the Gardner Academy 20. $3000 for the Joint Peer Mediation Initiative at GHS/GMS 21. $4954.50 for 60 music stands at GHS. 22. $1729.96 for a book repair machine for GMS. 23. $643 for baby carriers and hip packs for GHS 24. $1606.63 to replace spotlights at GMS. 25. $4500 for 2 flutes and 2 trumpets for GES 26. $43.740 for an outfield fence at GHS. 27. $16,844.75 to replace some percussion instruments at GHS 28. $6,999 for instruments etc. at GMS. 29. $13,475 for 45-50 GHS students to see a Broadway show in New York City. 30. $2600 for the STEM/STEAM curriculum at Gardner Academy 31. $3617.89 for Percussion instruments etc. at GHS. 32. $6242.26 to expand choral access at GMS 33. $2400 for a museum field trip and workshop for photography students at GHS 34. $2500 for photo equipment cabinets at GHS 35. $7339.88 for marching band uniform raincoats for GHS.