LEAF | District 742 Local Education & Activities Foundation

Making a difference for kids 

Students, staff, and graduates of District 742 schools frequently talk about ways they have benefited from their educational experiences.  They include accounts of opportunities provided by special teachers, involvement in extracurricular activities, support for developing special skills and talents, and challenging themselves both academically and personally.   

We are proud of the fact that LEAF has contributed to many of the opportunities described.   We are pleased to share some of the comments related to the impact of LEAF on the lives of students.  Since LEAF's history has been to provide support for student activities, these comments are student activity related.  As the LEAF Academic Opportunity and Enrichment Fund grows, we will add comments related to its impact on our District 742 students.

"My extracurricular involvement at Tech provided opportunities for inquiry, working hard, thinking on my toes, challenging myself to do my best, and the joys of spirited competition, which have served me well in college and law school and now in my profession as a litigation attorney."
Laura Provinzino
Tech High School, 1994
Yale Law School and Rhodes Scholar

"If not for LEAF's generous grant, our Future Problem Solving Team would not have been able to compete in what turned out to be an extremely successful international conference.  Thanks to their support, kids like us will continue to be able reach the pinnacle of academic success as we did."
John Reichl
Apollo High School
Future Problem Solving Team Member

"The need for excellence in education has never been greater. Today's environment demands that each individual develop her or his talent to their fullest potential. The successful development of each of our community's children will ensure a strong future for the St. Cloud area."
Sonja Berg
Past President, St. Cloud City Council 

"Because of cuts to activities in the School District, uniforms and other supplies are not provided by the District.  LEAF grants have allowed programs to be able to purchase these much needed supplies. The support of LEAF is crucial in helping activities perform at the highest level possible."
Alex Hanks
Tech High School Student-Athlete  

"Support from the LEAF Organization allowed our team to be elevated to the highest level of competition.  Contributions from LEAF allowed participants to achieve one of the greatest honors in the speech world by participating in the national competition".

Katie Benson

Tech High School Student

"We are so fortunate to have the support of LEAF for our academic achievement activities!  Without the transportation provided, many of our students would not be able to participate.  I am a BIG fan of LEAF!  Thanks!
Dr. Julia Espe
District 742 Curriculum Director

"LEAF's contributions to the weight room over the years have been a tremendous help to the athletic programs at Tech and Apollo.  We believe that having an excellent strength program is essential to having a strong athletic program.  LEAF grants have made this possible".
Andrea Swanberg
Tech High School Student Activities Director

"Activities were an important part of my high school educaiton.  I was lucky to have an opportunity to participate in a wide variety of activities.  Now I support the LEAF Endowment because it ensures the future of school activities".
Scott Hentges
Tech High School, 1996

"I attended Apollo High School for just four years, but I am amazed at the vast array of experiences I enjoyed.  The quality of my education laid the groundwork for my career as a physician.  In addition, my extracurricular activities, ranging from 3 sports each year, math league to theater productions, student government to the Northumberland (England) exchange program, gave me the depth of experience that allowed me to excel in my future endeavors - as a physician, volunteer, and father."
Nick Krueger, MD
Apollo High School, 1992