Lena Lions Club receives state education award

Friend of Education awards recognize statewide leaders
By: 
NEW Media Staff

LENA — The Lena Lions Club is actively involved in supporting local schools, from its “Student of the Month” recognition to college scholarships to donations to the eighth-grade trip to Washington, D.C.

The depth of that support has been noticed as far away as Madison.

The club is one of five organizations from around Wisconsin recognized Thursday by State Superintendent of Public Instruction Carolyn Stanford Taylor as 2019 Friends of Education for their work on behalf of Wisconsin students.

“Commitment from the community is part of what it takes to raise our next generation,” Stanford Taylor said. “From informing the public to inspiring students, providing financial assistance or emotional and social supports, these groups are making a big difference for young people.”

Chartered in 1971, the Lena Lions Club supports students and families in the Lena community. Donating to the national Night Out program as well as providing funds for the district’s post-prom party and the Lena Parent Teacher Organization are just a few examples.

The club also offers many supports that help meet students’ individual needs, such as glasses and Spot Eye vision screening annually, and financial sponsorships to help eighth-graders take part in their school’s annual trip to Washington, D.C.

In addition to helping students directly, the club has been a major supporter of the Lena School District by funding a ticket booth and press box at the athletic field and a new sound system in the Lena school gym. Receiving the award on behalf of the Lena Lions Club were Mike Diehlmann, Russell Glime and Dave Manning.

Stanford Taylor made the presentation during her State of Education Address and Awards Program at the Capitol Rotunda in Madison. Wisconsin’s four 2020 Teachers of the Year were also recognized.

“The power and promise of public education has long been a beacon, the great equalizing force in our society and our democracy,” she said during her address. “Today, the unity we find in working together hand in hand on behalf of every Wisconsin child could not be more important.”