Mason Schools Foundation

06/15/2026

🌟 Congratulations to Alicia Hirnikel, kindergarten teacher, on being named Mason Schools Foundation's 2026 Teacher of the Year at Mason Early Childhood Center! 🌟

For the past 10 years, Alicia has welcomed Mason's youngest learners into kindergarten with patience, enthusiasm, and a commitment to helping every child feel seen, valued, and capable of success. Inspired by the amazing educators she had growing up, Alicia pursued a degree in Early Childhood Education at Miami University. She was fortunate to complete her student teaching at MECC, where she quickly felt at home and later began her teaching career after graduation. Alicia has since earned her Master's degree in Special Education and has spent her entire 10 year teaching career serving Mason families.

Outside the classroom, Alicia enjoys walking, hiking, and spending time on her family's boat. Her passion for working with children extends beyond school as well. She volunteers with a high school youth group that meets weekly for service projects and activities throughout the year and spends a week each summer volunteering at a camp for children with Muscular Dystrophy.

Alicia creates a classroom where learning is exciting, inclusion is celebrated, and every student has the opportunity to shine. Whether she's dressing up as a superhero to celebrate reading milestones, ensuring no child is left out of a classroom activity, or helping students discover their unique strengths, Alicia truly goes ‘Above & Beyond’ to make kindergarten a joyful and meaningful experience.

Parents describe her as an exceptional communicator, an organized and trusted partner, and a teacher whose care extends far beyond the classroom. Former students love seeing Ms. Hirnikel around the building and often stop to say hello, share big news of losing a tooth, and receive a warm hug. This is a testament to the lasting impact she has on the children and families she serves.

One of Alicia's favorite moments this year came when a student surprised classmates by using his communication device to speak in full sentences and identify letter sounds. The excitement and pride shared by the entire class perfectly reflect the inclusive, supportive environment she works so hard to create every day.

"I am incredibly honored and grateful to receive this recognition," Alicia shared. "Teaching is something I truly love, and it means so much to be supported by such an amazing school community."

Thank you, Alicia, for helping our youngest Comets build strong foundations for learning, confidence, and belonging. Your dedication, compassion, and commitment to students make a difference every single day.

Please join us in congratulating Alicia Hirnikel, Teacher of the Year, on this well deserved honor by leaving a message below! 🌟💚

06/12/2026

Have you saved the date? 📆

Join us on August 27th at Sonder Brewing for a fun, free, family friendly community event hosted by Mason Schools Foundation!

Come out to meet Foundation Board members, learn how innovative grants are making a real difference in Mason classrooms, and discover ways to get involved in supporting students and educators across our district.

✨ Explore funded grants and programs throughout the district
🎨 Enjoy kid friendly activities
🎵 Live music by our very own Brandon Jones, Guitarist
🎁 Enter to win fun giveaways
🤝 Connect with other Mason families and community members
🍔 Food and beverages available for purchase from Sonder Brewing

Whether you're new to Mason City Schools or a longtime supporter, this is a great opportunity to learn, connect, and celebrate the impact we're making together.

Mark your calendar and invite a friend! We can't wait to see you on August 27th!

06/08/2026

🚌 Some people drive a bus. Kelvin Scott helps shape a community.

Today, Mason Schools Foundation is honored to announce Kelvin Scott as the recipient of the inaugural Above & Beyond Staff Member of the Year Award.

For more than two decades, Kelvin has been a constant source of kindness, encouragement, and care for Mason City Schools students and families. While his official title may be bus driver, those who know Kelvin understand that his impact reaches far beyond the driver's seat.

Each morning, Kelvin greets students with a big smile, learns their names, notices when someone is having a hard day, and creates an environment where children feel safe, welcomed, and valued before they even walk through the school doors. He also takes time to connect with parents, building trust through genuine conversations and meaningful relationships.

The stories shared in Kelvin's nominations speak volumes. One parent described how he comforted two upset children, reassuring them they were not in trouble and helping them feel secure before continuing on the route. Another shared how he thoughtfully handled a difficult student situation, ensuring a child felt heard, protected, and supported while maintaining open communication with both families. These stories are not exceptions; they are who Kelvin Scott is.

In nomination after nomination, families shared memories spanning years, and even generations, of Kelvin's warmth, compassion, and unwavering support for students. Parent Lindsay Smith perhaps said it best: "To know Kelvin is truly to love him. His gregarious personality, ever present smile, and positive energy are felt the moment he arrives each day."

The Above & Beyond Staff Member of the Year Award was created to recognize staff members whose dedication extends beyond their job description. Kelvin embodies that spirit and represents the very best of Mason City Schools.

On behalf of Mason Schools Foundation, we are proud to recognize Kelvin Scott as the first ever Above & Beyond Staff Member of the Year and present him with a $250 award in honor of his service to Mason City Schools.

We were thrilled to surprise Kelvin with this award in the bus lot as he was dropping off his first round of students for the day. It was the perfect place to recognize someone who goes "Above & Beyond" every single day.

Congratulations again, Kelvin, and thank you for the countless ways you have made a difference in the lives of Mason students and families. 💚
Please help us celebrate Kelvin by sharing your favorite memory or message of appreciation in the comments below!

05/20/2026

Together, 250 donors helped raise an incredible $8,116 for the Class of 2026 Legacy Gift Campaign, far surpassing their original $5,000 goal!

Because of this generosity, the Class of 2026 will leave a lasting impact on William Mason High School and future generations of Comet students. Their class will also be permanently recognized on Mason Schools Foundation’s donor monument, located outside of the arena, and celebrated at our fall donor appreciation event.

To every senior, family member, staff member, alumni, and community supporter who gave: thank you for helping this class leave behind something truly meaningful.

Class of 2026, your legacy is already shining bright. Congratulations again on this remarkable achievement and on your graduation! ✨🎓💚

Once a Comet, always a Comet!

05/17/2026

Thank you for celebrating the Class of 2026 and taking part in their legacy by making a donation to their Legacy Gift campaign. With your help the senior class surpassed their $5,000 goal and raised over $6,000! And, the donations are still coming in. Your generosity not only honored these 875 seniors, but also helped them leave a legacy that will support the educational journey of future Comet students and their beloved alma mater, William Mason High School.

The Class of 2026 will be etched on Mason Schools Foundation’s donor wall and honored at our fall donor celebration.

Congratulations again to the Class of 2026! 💚🎓 Your future is bright. Best of luck in all you do. And, always remember, “Once a Comet, always a Comet!”

05/17/2026

It’s graduation day 🎓💚 and the Class of 2026 is already more than halfway to reaching their $5,000 goal!

As we honor our 875 seniors and the impact they leave behind, we invite you to be part of their legacy by contributing to the Class of 2026 Legacy Gift.

Senior class gifts are a meaningful way for graduating students to leave their mark on what will soon become their beloved alma mater. Please consider supporting your favorite senior by donating $26, symbolizing their graduation year, in their honor.

There are TWO ways to donate $26 (or MORE) to honor your favorite graduating senior:
1️⃣ Text MHSGIVE2026 to 41444
2️⃣ Donate online: https://igfn.us/form/0nOyYg

DONATE NOW and help the Class of 2026 leave a lasting legacy. 💚

05/16/2026

Tomorrow morning, we will celebrate and congratulate the Mason High School Class of 2026 on their graduation! 💚🎓

As we honor our 875 seniors and the impact they leave behind, we invite you to be part of their legacy by contributing to the Class of 2026 Legacy Gift.

Senior class gifts are a meaningful way for graduating students to leave their mark on what will soon become their beloved alma mater. Please consider supporting your favorite senior by donating $26, symbolizing their graduation year, in their honor.

The Class of 2026 hopes to follow in the footsteps of the Class of 2025 by raising $5,000 and permanently earning their name on the Mason Schools Foundation donor wall located behind Mason Middle School. Best of all, 100% of every donation directly supports Mason City Schools by funding innovative classroom grants, student enrichment programs, and educational opportunities that inspire future Comets to learn, grow, and succeed.

There are TWO ways to donate $26 (or MORE) to honor your favorite graduating senior:
1️⃣ Text MHSGIVE2026 to 41444
2️⃣ Donate online: https://igfn.us/form/0nOyYg

DONATE NOW and help the Class of 2026 leave a lasting legacy. 💚

05/08/2026

Great schools are built by educators who show up every day with passion, dedication, and a commitment to helping students thrive. As Teacher Appreciation Week comes to a close, we are especially grateful for the incredible educators at Mason City Schools who make a difference in the lives of students every single day and continually go “Above & Beyond.”

The Mason Schools Foundation Board of Directors is proud to recognize and celebrate the 2026 Above & Beyond Teachers of the Year! These outstanding educators were nominated by parents, students, colleagues, and community members for the meaningful impact they make each day and for embodying the mission and values of Mason Schools Foundation.

Every student success story starts with a teacher who cares.

Please join us in congratulating:

🌟 Alicia Hirnikel 🌟
Mason Early Childhood Center
Kindergarten Teacher

🌟 Kris Beck 🌟
Mason Elementary
3rd Grade Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies Teacher

🌟 Patti Mann 🌟
Mason Intermediate
5th Grade Mathematics Teacher

🌟 Aaron West 🌟
Mason Middle School
8th Grade Language Arts Teacher

🌟 Aaron McAlpine 🌟
Mason High School
Mathematics Teacher

Each honoree will receive a $250 classroom grant to support students and learning during the 2026-27 school year.
They will also be recognized at special events throughout the year, including our Community Event at Sonder on August 27 and our Donor Recognition Event on Homecoming Night this fall.

Please help us congratulate these incredible educators who truly make a difference. 

04/30/2026

THREE more days to purchase $5 PIGS 🐷🐷🐷 for a chance to win $10,000 AND support Mason Schools Foundation! The winner will be announced on Sunday May 3rd after the marathon!

It’s time for the Piggest Raffle Ever! 🐷

Cross the finish line from home on Flying Pig Weekend and win BIG…all while supporting Mason Schools Foundation!

🎟️ For just $5, you can enter for a chance to win $10,000
($5,000 to the winning ticket holder + $5,000 to their selected charity!)
That means if an MSF supporter wins, we BOTH win! 🙌

Here’s the best part…
💚100% of every ticket purchase goes directly back to Mason Schools Foundation when you choose us as your selected organization!

📅 The winner will be announced on May 3, 2026, the day of the Flying Pig Marathon!

👉 Scan the QR code pictured or purchase your tickets here:
http://piggestraffleever.com
(Be sure to select Mason Schools Foundation as your charity!)

Let’s make this a winning weekend for Mason! 🐷🏁

This is an easy way to support Mason Schools Foundation. Your generosity helps fund district-wide grants that provide “Above and Beyond” educational opportunities for Mason City Schools students.

May the luckiest PIG win! 🐷🍀
Go Comets!

04/16/2026

What a fantastic night at our VIP Reading Challenge Celebration, held outside on Dwire field! 📚✨

We loved celebrating with Mason Elementary and Mason Intermediate VIP students who went “Above & Beyond” in this year’s Reading Challenge by raising $75 or more. Many even reached $90+ and brought a friend along to join the fun!

Our VIPs enjoyed pizza and treats, inflatables, dancing to music from DJ Jazzy Brandon Jones, and time playing sports and hanging out with friends on the field. It was such a fun night for all!

Thank you to these students and their families for supporting Mason Schools Foundation. Your efforts continue to help fund grants and programs, enhancing the educational experience for all Mason Comets.

Be sure to check out some highlights from the night! 💚🌟