Meridian Education Foundation

05/08/2026

Looking for the perfect backdrop for your graduation party photos? 🎓📸

Our Meridian blankets make the perfect photo moment AND a great keepsake for your senior!

They also make an amazing graduation gift — or even a fun surprise for a little one getting ready to start kindergarten and begin their journey in our district. ❤️🖤

And let’s be honest… the weather is still chilly, but sports season keeps rolling on! Wrap up in the stands while cheering on your favorite baseball, soccer, or track athlete. ⚾⚽🏃

Blankets are only $20 and all proceeds help support the Meridian Education Foundation and our students throughout the year.

Send us a message to get yours!

05/08/2026

🎓 Congratulations to the 2026 Meridian Education Foundation Scholarship Recipients! 🎓

Please join us in recognizing this year’s scholarship winners:

✨ Presley Zilm
✨ Rafael Rodriguez
✨ Cole Montavon
✨ Colin Metcalf
✨ Josie Gibson
✨ Zaiah Reed
✨ Isabella Sugden
✨ Lauren Young

These outstanding students were selected by the members of the Meridian Education Foundation and represent the bright future of our community.

Because of the incredible support from our community — through events like the Draw Down, our blanket fundraiser, and many other contributions throughout the year — we are able to give back and help support our graduating seniors as they begin their next chapter. ❤️

Congratulations to each of our recipients! We are proud of your hard work and accomplishments, and we wish you all the best as you graduate high school and pursue your future goals. 🎉🎓

04/16/2026

🔬 Take a look at science in action!

Thanks to a grant from the Meridian Education Foundation, our 8th grade science teacher, Mrs. Hall, is bringing learning to life with new digital eyepiece adapters. This video shows just how incredible it is to explore aquarium water up close!

https://youtube.com/shorts/8XFf3N9v8Zo?feature=shared

This is exactly what your support makes possible. Fundraisers like our Draw Down directly impact our classrooms and give students hands-on, unforgettable experiences.

Thank you for continuing to invest in our teachers and students!

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

04/13/2026

Thank you to our amazing community for your incredible support! Because of you, we were able to raise over $20,000 for the students and teachers of the Meridian School District. Your generosity, time, and enthusiasm made this possible, and we are truly grateful.

We’re already looking forward to doing it again—see you next year!!

Meridian Education Foundation Hosts Successful 2026 Draw Down Event

Stillman Valley, IL — The Meridian Education Foundation proudly hosted the 2026 Draw Down fundraiser at PrairieFire, bringing together community members, local businesses, and supporters for an evening of celebration, connection, and giving back.

The event featured a packed house and high energy throughout the night, highlighting the strong support and pride within the Meridian community. More than $20,000 was raised during the evening, with proceeds directly benefiting Meridian students and staff through classroom grants, scholarships, and enhanced educational opportunities.

“This event is a reflection of what makes our community special,” said President Tara Jepsen. “The support we receive allows us to continue investing in meaningful opportunities for our students and staff.”

A special thank you is extended to PrairieFire for their outstanding service and hospitality throughout the evening, helping create a welcoming and enjoyable experience for all in attendance.

The success of the Draw Down was made possible through the generous support of local sponsors, including:
Holcomb Bank; Constellation (Nuclear Plant); Hodges Loizzi Eisenhammer Rodick & Kohn; P & H Electric; Lawn Care by Walter; Sisson Tree Service; Leapros; Xcel Foam & Packaging; GreenAssociates; Dickerson & Nieman – Robin Henry; Specialty Floors; Lichty Landscaping; Stillman Bank; KJK Logistics Trucking; Wills Chiropractic; Helm; Benning Group; Loves Truck Stop; and Amboy Bank.
Meridian CUSD #223 extends its sincere appreciation to all who attended, sponsored, and contributed to the success of the 2026 Draw Down. The district and foundation look forward to continuing this tradition and building on the strong support of the Meridian community.

Pictured:
Tara Jepsen (President), Arlett Bonne (Treasurer), Deana Simpson (Secretary), Jacque Buchanan, Jill Huber, Brittany Frisbie, Darby Gensler, Megan Bosecker, Julie Niehaus

04/11/2026

Tonight’s the night! 🎉 Our Annual Draw Down kicks off at 5PM, and we’re SO close to hitting our goal—but we need your help!

We still have about 40 tickets left, and every single one makes a difference. Don’t miss your chance to join the fun, support a great cause, and be part of an unforgettable evening.

Grab your ticket now! 🎟️💥

https://givebutter.com/2026MEF

https://venmo.com/code?user_id=4420244000998798386&created=1775929097.705704&printed=1

04/11/2026

🎉 TODAY’S THE DAY! 🎉

Our Draw Down is finally here, and we can’t wait to see everyone tonight! In addition to the main event, don’t forget to check out our awesome silent auction items:

🔥 Solo Stove – perfect for cozy nights all year long
🥤 Ninja Slushi – make fun, refreshing frozen drinks at home
🗓 Skylight Calendar – a smart, easy way to keep your family organized

These items will be available to bid on during the event, so be sure to stop by and get your bids in!

⛳️ Draw Down Details:
📅 TODAY
📍 Prairie Fire Golf & Grill
🎟 Each ticket includes entry to the event, 1 hour of golf in a bay, food, drinks, and a chance to win cash prizes!
💵 Cash bar available + additional menu items for purchase
🏆 You do NOT need to be present to win cash prizes!

🎟 There’s still time to grab your ticket: https://givebutter.com/2026MEF

Let’s make it a great night!

04/10/2026

🎉 The Draw Down is TOMORROW! 🎉

We want to give a HUGE thank you to all of the incredible local businesses that generously donated raffle items for this year’s event. Your support helps make this night even more exciting and directly contributes to the scholarships and classroom grants we’re able to provide. We truly couldn’t do this without you! ❤️🖤

Be sure to check out the amazing raffle items when you arrive—you won’t want to miss out! Raffle tickets will be sold for $20 for an arm’s length—so come ready to win some great prizes!

⛳️ Draw Down Details:
📅 April 11
📍 Prairie Fire Golf & Grill
🎟 Each ticket includes entry to the event, 1 hour of golf in a bay, food, drinks, and a chance to win cash prizes!
💵 Cash bar available + additional menu items for purchase
🏆 You do NOT need to be present to win cash prizes!

There’s still time to join the fun—grab your tickets here: https://givebutter.com/2026MEF

We can’t wait to see everyone tomorrow for a great night supporting our students and teachers!
Porch Boutique Sundae Social Burn Boot Camp Raising Cane's Wave Avenue Royal Blue General Store Gensler Gardens Rockford IceHogs Club Car Wash IL

04/08/2026

🎓 This is What the Draw Down Supports 🎓

Last year, Taylor Davidson, a graduate of Stillman Valley High School, was a recipient of a Meridian Education Foundation scholarship. Now in her freshman year of college, she’s sharing how that support has made a difference in her journey.

Because of generous donors and events like our Draw Down, we’re able to help students like Taylor take the next step toward their dreams. ❤️🖤

Thank you to everyone who continues to invest in our students, our schools, and our future—your support truly changes lives!

⛳️ 3 days until the Draw Down!
📅 April 11
📍 Prairie Fire Golf & Grill
🎟 Each ticket includes entry to the event, 1 hour of golf in a bay, food, drinks, and a chance to win multiple cash prizes!
https://givebutter.com/2026MEF
🎁 We’ll also have amazing raffle baskets from generous local businesses!

Even if you can’t attend, your ticket purchase still enters you for the cash prize drawings!

04/04/2026

🎉 Join us for the Meridian Education Foundation Annual Draw Down! 🎉

📅 Saturday, April 11
⏰ 5–8 PM

Don’t miss your chance to win BIG — over $4,000 in cash prizes 💰 (and you do NOT need to be present to win!)

If you attend, your ticket includes:
⛳ 1 hour of golf
🍽️ Food & non-alcoholic beverages
🍹 Cash bar available

Come out for a fun evening while supporting the teachers and students in our district ❤️

Get your tickets today!!👇

https://givebutter.com/2026MEF