The Adrian Schools Educational Foundation

10/23/2026

1974–75 AHS Basketball Team Reunites - Once Teammates, Always Maples!

Nearly 50 years later, the memories are still fresh, the friendships are still strong, and the stories are just as good!

On October 17th, members of the 1974–75 Adrian High School basketball team traveled from across the country to reunite at Buffalo Wild Wings in Adrian. What a great afternoon of laughter, storytelling, and reconnecting with old friends!

It all started when former teammates Rob Judson and Mark Caggiano met for breakfast and spent 3½ hours reminiscing about basketball, growing up in Adrian, and their AHS days. That conversation sparked an idea — why not get the whole team back together?

And that's exactly what they did!

The teammates shared fond memories of their late friend and teammate Chuck Schwartz and former Coach J.P. McDevitt. They also sent their best wishes to former Coach Judson and his wife, along with former Coach Swenor, who couldn't attend. Teammates Bruce Rearick and Tommy Rink were also missed due to prior commitments.

Different paths, different places, but forever connected by their days as Adrian Maples!

Once a Maple, Always a Maple!

Front Row (L-R): Lynn Courington, Rick Bailey, Jim Johnson, Fred Smith, Steve Brown, Rich Clay
Row 2 (L-R): Mark Caggiano, Rob Judson, Mark Wilson, Jeff Cochran
Row 3 (L-R): Paul Lanczki, John Carlson, Doug Hartung, Glen Butler, Ramon Hobdy, Paul Sylvester, Joe Jenkins, Vern Moore, Randy Wells
(Not pictured Bruce Rearick and Tommy Rink)

10/13/2026

On September 24th we had a wonderful evening celebrating six OUTSTANDING Maples! Our outstanding teachers & mentors: Steve Antalek, Erin Gilmore & Sharon Ketola. Our outstanding alumni: Deb Comstock '66, Darryl Jenkins '69 & Anne Engle Cummings '84.

10/05/2026

Welcome to the new ASEF Executive Director, Heather Perez!

Heather Perez has been named the new executive director of the Adrian Schools Educational Foundation. Perez is the fourth executive director in the Foundation’s 40-year history.
Perez comes to the Foundation having served in executive capacities at several community non-profit organizations, most recently as the Director of Development at Hospice of Lenawee where she led comprehensive development strategies including a $1 million campaign for the Hospice of Lenawee “Jim Feeney” Hospice Home. She was also responsible for strengthening committee engagement, strategic planning initiatives, and an annual event that grew in capacity year over year.
Perez’s responsibilities with ASEF will include initiating a strategic planning process, building out the Foundation’s board of trustees and shepherding a 40th anniversary celebration for the organization. Perez will also oversee the Foundation’s main mission of awarding classroom grants and raising funds to continue its success.
A 1989 graduate of Adrian High School, Perez looks forward to working with the philanthropic community, including AHS alumni who identify with the ASEF mission of strengthening the educational excellence of their alma mater. Perez holds a Master’s Degree in Organizational Management from Spring Arbor University and is committed to servant leadership, fostering long-term, collaborative relationships, and working alongside others to strengthen and serve the community she is proud to call home.
“I am very excited to work with the local community and our alumni to build the capacity of education at Adrian Public Schools,” Perez said. “The ASEF is committed to enhancing classroom rigor while supporting student growth in academics and the arts, providing students with meaningful experiences that will enrich their education and, hopefully, stay with them for a lifetime.”
Not a stranger to supporting education, Perez was the Executive Director at Community Learning Connections and the Resource Development Manager for Communities in Schools – Lenawee. With these two entities, she managed fundraising efforts and operations which supported at-risk students and focused on graduation outcomes.
Perez replaces ASEF retiring Executive Director Jenny Engle who oversaw the award of close to $800,000 in classroom grants given to APS teachers over the past eight years.
The Adrian Schools Educational Foundation was founded in 1987 as a non-profit with its only mission to benefit Adrian Public Schools students. It fulfills this by awarding classroom grants to teachers, enhancing APS curriculum and giving students opportunities in the arts and academics. Over its 40-year history, the ASEF has awarded close $2 million in classroom grants and special projects such as the AHS courtyard renovation and partnering in constructing STEM labs in all APS elementary school buildings.

09/01/2026

Last week we visited the four APS elementary schools and finished handing out the $113k we committed to the district for this school year. Another record year and we are so proud of the thoughtful and unique opportunities that our educators are providing for our Maples. Have a GREAT year everyone!

08/21/2026

We started the great grant giveaway this week! AHS, Springbrook and the Fine Arts program all received their grants as well as our first grant ever to the Head Start program! Our total give to Adrian Public Schools this year for the Classroom Grant program is $113,090.60!
Another record year💙
Elementary schools...we're coming for you on Monday! See you soon!

07/13/2026

07/13/2026

CONGRATULATIONS TO THIS YEAR’S OUTSTANDING TEACHERS/MENTORS!

•Steve Antalek - AHS & Springbrook choir director
•Sharon Ketola - Michener kindergarten teacher
•Erin Gilmore - AHS English and Leadership teacher

They will be honored along with three outstanding alumni on Thursday, September 24th. Stay tuned for more information!

06/30/2026

Today we say farewell to our executive director, Jenny Engle. Jenny has served the foundation since 2018, leading with kindness and genuine respect for all. She has been loyal to our mission, our donors, our students, our educators and our alumni and has created lasting relationships through her warmth and optimism. A Maple by marriage and motherhood, she embodies the best of what the APS community aspires to and will always be true blue in our eyes.

Congratulations on your retirement! We wish you every happiness in the exiting chapters ahead. 💙

05/29/2026

Thanks to the support of our donors, students in the jewelry making program have access to equipment that allows them to create designs and bring their ideas to life. These experiences help build creativity, confidence and valuable skills for the future!!

05/04/2026