OUR MISSION
The mission of the Mesabi East Foundation is to enrich the education of Mesabi East students by honoring the District’s mission of excellence in education.
EDUCATION CREATES OPPORTUNITY FOR ALL!
The mission of the Mesabi East Foundation is to enrich the education of Mesabi East students by honoring the District’s mission of excellence in education.
EDUCATION CREATES OPPORTUNITY FOR ALL!
Building Bridges Between Community and Education
Our Foundation strives to create meaningful and ongoing relationships between the community, graduates, and Mesabi East. As part of our efforts to strengthen ties, we are proud to announce the continuation of the TEACH Award for the 2025-2026 school year. Nominations are now open. This year, we will award 10 teachers and 10 staff members $100 to use in their classrooms or areas!
Our teachers and staff help students feel accepted and support their students. They create a safe place for students to learn and give their time and energy to help shape and enhance their students' education. Here’s how you can help give back to them!
The Mesabi East Foundation (MEF) is proud to recognize 10 teachers and 10 staff members for their hard work and dedication to the Mesabi East School District, by providing $100 each to use for their classrooms or areas. Awardees were announced at this year's 5th Annual Tom Gillach Memorial Funspiel.
Winning Staff 2026
Scott Collins
Shari Collins
Jill Eckman
Melissa Hillman
Sherri James
Jeannie Little
Dana Prophet
Janel Scheuring
Sonia Steele
Nikki Swanson
Winning Teachers 2026
Elyssa Birchem
Jami Gauthier
Craig Johnson
Pete Klabechek
Jacki LaValley
Carolyn Olson
Bridget Rahja
Heather Seppala
Craig Sickel
Zoe Zoretich
The MEF is proud to sponsor this initiative. The Foundation is an independent non-profit organization, formed to establish and grow a scholarship endowment fund for Mesabi East graduates who seek a post-high school degree. Our members want to make a lasting impact and are committed to supporting the next generation. The MEF believes that our teachers and staff should be recognized and supported! We are honored to acknowledge their selflessness.
The Mesabi East Foundation (MEF) is proud to recognize 10 teachers and 10 staff members for their hard work and dedication to the Mesabi East School District, by providing $100 each to use for their classrooms or areas. Awardees were announced at this year's 5th Annual Tom Gillach Memorial Funspiel.
Winning Staff 2026
Scott Collins
Shari Collins
Jill Eckman
Melissa Hillman
Sherri James
Jeannie Little
Dana Prophet
Janel Scheuring
Sonia Steele
Nikki Swanson
Winning Teachers 2026
Elyssa Birchem
Jami Gauthier
Craig Johnson
Pete Klabechek
Jacki LaValley
Carolyn Olson
Bridget Rahja
Heather Seppala
Craig Sickel
Zoe Zoretich
The MEF is proud to sponsor this initiative. The Foundation is an independent non-profit organization, formed to establish and grow a scholarship endowment fund for Mesabi East graduates who seek a post-high school degree. Our members want to make a lasting impact and are committed to supporting the next generation. The MEF believes that our teachers and staff should be recognized and supported! We are honored to acknowledge their selflessness.
Would you like to honor a Class of 2026 graduate?
Click or tap the photo to find out how!
Working together for the future of our community
Every motivated graduate of Mesabi East should have the opportunity to further his or her education. The Mesabi East Foundation's long-term goal is to provide scholarships to every Mesabi East graduate. Education empowers us for life.
Every story has a beginning. This is ours.
The Foundation began with a conversation in 2012.
Since then, numerous alumni of Mesabi East and its predecessor schools put their heads together.
The Mesabi East Foundation was born.
Since then, numerous alumni of Mesabi East and its predecessor schools put their heads together.
The Mesabi East Foundation was born.
How you can help
It is said it takes a village to raise children. Our Mesabi East community is strong ... Giant Strong. You can contribute financially to the Mesabi East Foundation, and directly affect the education of our future graduates. Any amount is a step forward in making giant strides toward the future!
Donate to the Foundation Today
If you're ready to give back to our Mesabi East Graduates, you can donate online here.
