MERF: Preserving the Past and Investing in the Future

This year’s slide into autumn finds us preparing to move back into the MERF House, keeping the gears turning, and looking ahead to what’s next. The art program at Valley Head School is running strong, with Sherryl Lewis carrying MERF’s mission into her classroom. After visiting for just a day, it’s easy to see why this program matters so much. Students come as they are, translate their thoughts into creativity, and take ownership of their learning. So far, Sherryl has used all sorts of materials and media to get creativity flowing. From suncatchers and self-portraits to artwork submitted for the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra program, this art program gives students a place to explore, express, and build resilience through creativity.

As a parent, the future can sometimes feel uncertain. Yet, standing in contrast to that uncertainty is the heart of resilience — creativity and authenticity. Art and music nurture those qualities in a world that often feels superficial. MERF is proud to continue providing a program that’s been going strong for 30 years. Our community helps keep it alive; our hearts and minds build its future. Programs like this remind us that something as simple as cutting and gluing can lay the groundwork for confidence, imagination, and the ability to create from nothing.

That same spirit of preserving the past while investing in the future is at the heart of something else that touches young learners –– the Sue Henry Scholarship Fund, which is open to students in their first semester of college who need assistance to continue their studies. The memorial fund was created to honor loved ones and support the dreams of Valley Head High School graduates. Through this scholarship, community members can give in memory of someone dear to them — transforming remembrance into opportunity.

For Brooke (Moore) Leps, a 2017 Valley Head graduate, scholarships like this made all the difference. Active in numerous organizations, from Future Business Leaders of America to National BETA Club, Brooke learned the value of involvement and leadership early on. After graduation, she earned a bachelor of business administration degree in finance and accounting from the University of North Alabama, then completed a master of business administration with a concentration in federal contracting and procurement management, all while launching a career as a financial analyst in Huntsville.

“None of this would have been possible without the educational support I received while at Valley Head High School,” Brooke shared. “Scholarships like the Sue Henry Scholarship exist to help you take that first step. Valley Head may be a small town, but it can take you big places. Take advantage of every opportunity, apply for scholarships, and believe that you are capable of more than you think.”

As we settle into a new season, please consider donating to MERF, so that we can continue to provide meaningful and rich opportunities to our community.