Baldwin-Whitehall Educational
Foundation Receives
things
things to know about:
1. HER OWN EDUCATION INSPIRED HER.
“ I was fortunate to learn from educators who challenged me, encouraged me to think outside the box, and made me feel supported. That sense of connection is what inspired me most. I still think about my firstgrade teacher— not because of the lessons, but because of the way she made her students feel loved, cared for, and important. That’ s the kind of impact I hope to have in my own career.”
2. SHE FOUND HER NICHE IN EDUCATION.
“ I’ ve always wanted to work with kids or in education. School counseling felt like the perfect fit because it lets me support kids not just academically, but also emotionally— being there to listen and guide them when they need it most.”
to know about:
Baldwin-Whitehall Educational
Foundation Receives
Amanda Westall, School Counselor at R. A. Lutz Elementary School
3. HER ROLE GIVES STUDENTS THE RESOURCES AND RESILIENCE THEY NEED TO THRIVE.
“ As a school counselor, I’ m there to be a steady, supportive person in a student’ s day— someone who listens, encourages, and helps them work through whatever they’ re facing. Sometimes it’ s about problem-solving or managing emotions, and other times it’ s just reminding them that they matter. I truly believe that when kids feel seen, heard, and cared for, they’ re more confident and ready to learn.”
4. SHE HAS ONE DRIVING MOTIVATION.“ Hands down, it’ s the kids. They’ re the reason I do what I do and why I love it so much. They make me smile, make me laugh, and remind me every day why being in this role matters. Their energy, kindness, and honesty are the best parts of my day. I learn so much from them, and I can only hope they learn just as much from me.”
5. FUN FACT: HER HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETIC CAREER WENT SWIMMINGLY.
“ I was a competitive swimmer for nearly 15 years and was part of two state championship teams in high school.”
$ 10,000 GRANT TO SERVE STUDENTS aldwin-Whitehall BALDWIN-WHITEHALL SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS
The Jefferson Regional Foundation has awarded the Baldwin- Whitehall Educational Foundation with a $ 10,000 grant to support the Purple Pantry at Baldwin High School during the 2025-26 academic year. The grant will advance BWEF’ s efforts to increase the health and well-being of students in the Baldwin-Whitehall School District who are experiencing food insecurity, homelessness, and a lack of basic life essentials. In its announcement, Jefferson Regional Foundation commended BWEF for its support of at-risk students and said“ it is a pleasure to be among your current supporters.”
The Purple Pantry provides toiletries, hygiene products, nourishment, school supplies, and more in a private setting to the District’ s most at-risk students in an effort to help them thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Erik Arroyo, president of BWEF, expressed his appreciation for Jefferson Regional Foundation:“ This is the first grant that
BWEF has ever received and we are truly grateful for Jefferson Regional Foundation’ s support. This grant will position us to significantly improve the life and school experience of our most vulnerable students through the Purple Pantry.”
The Jefferson Regional Foundation’ s mission is“ to improve the health and well-being of the communities served by Jefferson Hospital through engagement, community-driven research, and grantmaking.”
BRENTWOOD-BALDWIN-WHITEHALL ❘ FALL 2025 61