LEAF 742 Honors Community Members at Annual Celebration and Awards

(KNSI) – LEAF 742 recognized this year’s recipients at its annual Celebration and Awards event held this spring at the St. Cloud Country Club.

The education foundation for District 742 gathered donors, volunteers, and supporters for an evening highlighting the community partnerships that expand opportunities for students across the district. For more than 30 years, LEAF has worked to remove barriers and help students participate in academics, arts, athletics, and other activities.

LEAF Executive Director Natalie Copeland thanked supporters for their continued commitment to students. “Every act of generosity helps students feel supported and included,” Copeland said. “We are so grateful for the community that continues to show up for our students year after year.”

The 2026 award recipients include:

Phil Welter Volunteer Service Award: Peggy Carlson
George and Shirley Torrey Award for Charitable Giving: Bethlehem Lutheran Church, and Mike Schlough and Becky Bastein
Coaching/Advising Excellence Award: Dan Stoterau and Karlyn Doyle
Instructional Excellence Award: Kerry Kopp and Dianne Villalobos
LEAF Lifetime Service Award: Sara Martini
742 Distinguished Alumni Award: Diane Moeller

LEAF 742 raises funds through donations and grants to increase student access to opportunities in academics, activities, arts, and athletics.

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