Lake County Leader and Educator Essentials

December 19, 2025

Dear Lake County Community,

As we close out 2025, we are reminded of the incredible dedication and compassion that define our schools across Lake County. This year has brought forward countless examples of educators, families, and community partners working together to meet students’ needs—both inside and outside the classroom. These shared efforts continue to strengthen our schools and demonstrate the powerful impact of collaboration and service.

In this month’s edition, we are honored to feature Hawthorn District 73 and the impactful work of the Key to 73 Hawthorn Education Foundation. Guided by the mission “Learning for all. Every one. Every day.”, this work comes to life through essential supports like the “Race to Restock” effort—raising over $10,000—and a Holiday Toy Drive serving 300+ students, ensuring families have what they need and students are ready to learn.

As we reflect on this past year and look ahead to 2026, we do so with optimism and pride—knowing that the foundation built in 2025 will continue to shape brighter futures for Lake County learners.

Thank you for your continued partnership, and for the role you play in helping every student learn, grow, and thrive.

Sincerely,

Dr. Michael Karner

Regional Superintendent of Schools

Lake County, Illinois

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Hawthorn School District 73

BEYOND THE CLASSROOM: EDUCATION FOUNDATION A CRITICAL SAFETY NET FOR HAWTHORN FAMILIES

In Hawthorn District 73, the promise of "Learning for all. Every one. Every day." extends far beyond academic achievement. It encompasses the well-being of the whole child and their family. At the core of this mission is the Key to 73 Hawthorn Education Foundation—an initiative that has evolved into a critical safety net for our community, bridging the gap for students facing food insecurity and financial hardship.

This year, Hawthorn faces an unprecedented need, with over 1,000 students qualifying for free or reduced lunch and nearly 400 utilizing SNAP benefits. We also became aware of an increasing number of families who may not qualify for these programs but found themselves suddenly unable to provide essentials. Key to 73 quickly mobilized to ensure every Hawthorn Eagle came to school ready to learn, without the distraction of hunger or lacking the essentials that help them get through their school day.

RESTOCKING HOPE

This fall, the Foundation launched the inaugural "Race to Restock," a district-wide campaign that rallied students and staff in a friendly competition to fill the district food pantry. The response was overwhelming, with over $10,000 in monetary donations collected. Many schools filled their donation bins to capacity multiple times, ensuring that our pantry is stocked for the winter months and growing needs.

Immediately following this effort, the Foundation shifted focus to its annual Holiday Toy Drive. This season, the initiative is serving an unprecedented 300+ students and their families. Through community donations of new toys and funds, the Foundation ensures that financial strain does not steal the joy of the holidays from our students.

LOOKING AHEAD The work of the Key to 73 Foundation is continuous. As we look toward the spring, we are already preparing for our annual Golf Outing in June, a primary fundraiser that fuels these life-supporting programs.

By addressing basic needs, the Key to 73 Hawthorn Education Foundation does more than provide charity; it provides stability. It allows our students to come to school ready to learn, knowing their community is standing right behind them.

Visit Hawthorn 73 website

Previously Featured Schools

We’re proud to have highlighted several incredible Lake County school districts so far this 2025-26 school year, including Lincolnshire-Prairie View, Fremont, Aptakisic-Tripp, Lake Bluff, Zion-Benton, and Big Hollow. Each of these districts brings its own unique strengths, programs, and community spirit—and we’re excited to continue sharing their stories throughout the year. To view previous newsletters, click here.