Maroon & Gray Society inducts new members, raises funds for student mental health

STATE COLLEGE — On May 18, the Second Annual Maroon & Gray Society Banquet honored a new class of inductees and raised funds for student mental health and well-being, according to a press release. 

Proceeds from the evening’s event totaled more than $50,000 and were dedicated to the Mental Health Matters Fund, a permanent fund established by the foundation earlier this year.

The event was supported by maroon sponsors Lobar Construction Services and Massaro CM Services; gray sponsors Crabtree, Rohrbaugh & Associates and ServiceMaster by Holobinko; local business advertisers; and generous donors and attendees.

The evening kicked off with a cocktail reception followed by dinner, awards and remarks from:

· Dr. Robert O’Donnell, SCASD superintendent;

· Chris Buchignani, SCASD Education Foundation vice president; and

· Jeanne Knouse, SCASD director of student services

State High students from the My Mental Health Matters Club prepared a video for the audience in order to detail how mental health programs and services benefit students. Local broadcaster Jeff Byers (State High ’87) served as volunteer emcee.

This year’s Maroon & Gray Society honorees were:

· Kerry Benninghoff, Class of ’79, state representative;

· Ellen Campbell, Class of ’70, retired SCASD teacher;

· Chris Dodds, Class of ’77, CFO at Charles Schwab;

· Jackson Horner, posthumous award, track and field coach;

· John Kovalchik, retired teacher, music

· Teresa Lindner, retired teacher, special education, Life Link co-creator; and

· 2003 boys basketball state champions.

The State College Area School District Education Foundation is committed to enhancing the educational experience of students within the State College Area School District by providing financial support for innovative learning opportunities. In addition to proceeds from the Maroon & Gray Society Banquet, the foundation raises funds through the Educational Improvement Tax Credit program and by stewarding relationships with individuals, families and businesses in the community.