The Events Committee plans and manages the Foundation’s social events. Our Foundation hosts two annual events, an adult-oriented event in the fall (“A Night for Excellence”), and a family-friendly event in the spring. Volunteers on this committee research venues and opportunities, determine appropriate entertainment and refreshments, create invitations and approach local businesses for involvement in our fundraising activities. New volunteers are always welcome.
Luci Hynes
Luci and her husband Rob moved to Westminster in 2006 because they knew there was something special about the town and its schools. She joined the Foundation primarily because she believes the community has a responsibility in assisting our educators in providing the best possible educational experience to our children. Luci has 2 children, Lucas, who attends Oakmont, and Cathryn, who attends Overlook Middle School. She enjoys being part of their school experiences, whether it is volunteering in the classroom, chaperoning a field trip, or sitting on the bleachers to watch a baseball game. She currently coaches girls’ softball. Luci received a B.A. in Biological Sciences from Rutgers College and an M.S. in Biological Sciences from St. John’s University. Luci has been a quality assurance professional in a number of industries for over 20 years and is currently works from home as Clinical Submission QC Expert for Novartis.
Serving on: Events Committee, Grants Committee
Joe Powers, Secretary
Joe and his wife Amy moved to Ashburnham in 2001 as part of a job relocation. They chose Ashburnham because of the school system and its proximity to Joe’s new job. As their daughter neared school age, talk of replacing JR Briggs was starting and Joe volunteered to be on the Briggs Building Committee. After serving on the committee for nine years and with the new JR Briggs finally built, Joe was looking to continue his volunteer work within the school system. He had known of the Foundation for a few years and was interested in helping out. Joe has been active in the community coaching girls’ softball at Overlook Middle School since 2012 & starting in 2022 with the Oakmont varsity team. Joe received a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and an MBA from Clarkson University. He has worked for local companies such as Greif (formerly Newark America), New England Wood Pellet and is presently at Wachusett Brewing Company.
Serving on: Events Committee, Fundraising Committee
Diane Stango
Diane has been a resident of Westminster for over 20 years. She is the mother of two young women who attended school in the district and graduated from Oakmont. She graduated from the University of Connecticut with a degree in Political Science. She has worked her entire career for the federal government, Social Security Administration, and currently holds the position of technical expert. She has served on the Oakmont School Advisory Council and is active in her church. Quality education is a passion of Diane’s and she sees her work on the foundation as a way to enhance the experience of our current students.
Serving on: Events Committee, Grants Committee
Jennifer Shenk
Jennifer is a founding board member and is enthusiastic about AWFAE and working with community members who are committed to promoting academic excellence. Jen has six children, four of whom have graduated from Oakmont. Jen graduated from Franklin Pierce College with a B.A. in graphic design and sociology. Jen is very involved in the community in Westminster. She is a Realtor at Keller Williams Realty North Central. She previously worked for Little, Brown and Company Publishers in Waltham, and was Publisher and Editor of Community Vine, an electronic newsletter and website for and about Westminster.
Serving on: Events Committee, Grants Committee
Margaret “Peg” Romano
Peg graduated from Fitchburg State University with a degree in education and taught in Fitchburg, Westminster, and Ashburnham. She retired from the Ashburnham Westminster Regional School District after thirty six years in education. Peg and her husband, Peter, have lived in Westminster for over forty years. Their three children graduated from Oakmont and currently three of their five grandchildren are attending schools in this district. Peg enjoys working with the Education Foundation helping to enrich the educational opportunities for the students of the Ashburnham Westminster Regional School District.
Serving on: Events Committee, Fundraising Committee
