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Newport FFA receives $5,000 grant from Luksis Charitable Foundation

NEWPORT — The Newport Sugar River Valley Regional Technical Center’s FFA Chapter has received a $5,000 grant from the Lillian Luksis Charitable Foundation.

Dr. Lillian Luksis was a pioneer for women, she was one of the first woman Radiologist in Massachusetts and was one of the two female graduates of her Medical School class. Dr. Luksis loved nature and gardening along with bird and wildlife watching. She was an avid volunteer and was a well-known community member in Boylston, Mass.

Dr. Luksis was also very successful at investing her money and was able to create a Charitable foundation to give back to the community. She passed away in July and the foundation reached out to her heir Bonnie Akerman, a Newport resident, to nominate groups that emulated her Great Aunt’s spirit. James Akerman Sr., Lillian’s Great Nephew-in-Law and Newport resident, suggested that the foundation consider the Newport FFA organization.

“The FFA program has changed so many kids’ lives over the years and the foundation seemed like a great way to support these kids and our community” said Akerman.

Bonnie Akerman, James Akerman Sr., Paul A. Pouliot and Megan Benison created the list of organizations to be nominated and the following are some examples of what was funded: Newport FFA, Milford Humane Society, Boylston Food Pantry, ALS family support organization, Boylston’s reading to the blind program, and an organization that supports teen parents battling opioid addiction.

“I feel so honored to be a part of my Aunt Lillian’s Legacy. She was such a compassionate, loving and generous person. My Aunt Lil inspired me at a young age to be strong and to be different,” said Bonnie Akerman.

The Akerman family; Bonnie Akerman, James Akerman Sr., James “JJ” Akerman and Hailey Akerman, presented the $5,000 check to the Newport FFA President, Victoria Burroughs, and the chapter advisor Deborah Stevens at the Sugar River Valley Regional Technical Center’s Horticulture classroom.

All of the FFA chapter students were in their professional dress attire and were grateful for the grant. The students are preparing for the New Hampshire State competitions in April. If they are successful at State’s competitions, they will represent New Hampshire at the National Competition in Indianapolis.

“This is an amazing group of students. They are involved in numerous school and community service projects which make a huge difference in our small community. My Great Aunt would have loved to meet these students and she would be proud to help this organization.” said Bonnie Akerman.

The grant money will be used to support the student leadership program, community service projects, and student involvement in State and National activities.

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