The Wolfinger Family Donor Advised Fund, established in 2019 by Connie and Harold “Sandy” Wolfinger, recently awarded $5,148 in grants to local school districts to support special projects and educational enrichment programs.

The Smethport Area School District received $1,000: $500 each for the Smethport DECA Field Trip Fund and the PA Elk Restoration Unit and Wildlife Comparative Anatomy & Classification.

The DECA Field Trip Fund allowed Smethport students to travel to the Pennsylvania State Career Development Conference in Hershey, PA. These students were awarded the opportunity to compete among 3,500 students and grow in their chosen areas of business, entrepreneurship and hospitality.

The PA Elk Restoration Unit and Wildlife Comparative Anatomy & Classification aims to teach students in grades 9 through 12 about watersheds, streams, fish species, PA mammals, ecosystems, fishing, hunting and the PA Game Commission. Additional funds for this project will go towards a trip to the Elk County visitors center, where there is an education program related to the reintroduction of elk into Pennsylvania.

Ellicottville Central School was granted $500 for their “Lift off in STEM” program, which was used to purchase a Kodo Wind Tunnel. This innovative tool provides students with hands-on experience in aerodynamics, physics and engineering concepts, allowing them to experiment with airflow, design models and better understand how wind affects objects in motion.

An additional $500 was allocated to Ellicottville Central School for “Pre-K Waterplay,” a permanent water sensory play area. The space provides developmentally appropriate play-based opportunities, as well as exploration in many areas of science.

The Coudersport Area School District received $1,000 for the Challenger Learning Center Trip. This field trip offers students hands-on, space-themed STEAM activities that develop communication and teamwork abilities.

“The trip gave them the opportunity to apply scientific concepts in an exciting, hands-on environment that fostered both teamwork and critical thinking,” said Dana Daisley, STEM Lab Facilitator at Coudersport Elementary School. “The impact of this experience will undoubtedly stay with them, sparking curiosity and encouraging a deeper interest in STEM subjects.”

Northern Potter School District was awarded $1,000 total between two grants: $400 for high school choir robes and $600 for supplies for the newer STEM program.

Additionally, Belvidere High School in Belvidere, New Jersey received $1,148 to acquire agricultural mechanics welding safety equipment.

This school holds personal significance for the Wolfinger family, as Sandy’s mother, Dorothy, and sister, Alice Wilhelm, were lifelong residents and alumnae. Alice also taught kindergarten there for many years.

Donations to the Wolfinger Family Donor Advised Fund can be made at CRCF, 301 North Union St., or online at cattfoundation.org.