2019 Update

Friends and Family,

It is now five years since we lost Geralynn’s physical presence in our lives. We promised

her and ourselves to keep her spirit with us and one way has been by supporting the students at Inter-

Lakes Elementary School. Ger wanted us to help the school and teachers inspire the children

through education. We continue to see and hear firsthand that the school’s partnership with Prescott

Farm is the best way we can do that at this time.

Recently, Stephen, Mackenzie, Regan and I were able to attend what is now an annual

presentation (and celebration for us) by the students and teachers at I-L about what they are learning

from the initiative. The names and faces of the students change year-to-year, as do some of the

teachers and classes, however there are always two constants we encounter. First, the enthusiasm of

the children and second the teacher’s opinions that we are providing the students what Geralynn

wanted to provide them through education.

As you know, The Naturalist in the Classroom Program we fund connects students and

teachers to their communities and natural environment. The Prescott Farm staff work directly with

teachers to integrate the curriculum and use on hand resources. The lessons are also hands-on,

placed-based learning. This facilitates an enhanced understanding and respect for nature, natural

systems, natural history of the area, and an adoption of environmental stewardship practices. To

young students, this means less time sitting in a chair and listening and more timed engaged and

learning.

Just as important to all of Geralynn’s friends and family is hearing from the teachers, many

whom worked with Ger, how happy she must be seeing the children grow and learn through this

program. The mission of Geralynn’s fund is to help inspire students through education. This was

Geralynn’s wish and her fund now is able to help fund a program that does just that. The Prescott

Farm Naturalists and Environmental Educators have connected students and teachers to their

communities and the natural environment in an interactive setting.

Prescott Farm Environmental Education Center (www.prescottfarm.org) and the Inter-Lakes

School District are doing what Geralynn would want This support is all of our support. All of

Geralynn’s friends and family.

Thank you again for your financial and personal support. Your thoughtfulness and

generosity continuous to be humbling.

Sincerely,

Stephen and Megan Fountain and the O’Brien Family