In this edition of local education news, youth literacy programs in the Owen J. Roberts and Phoenixville Area school districts have won grants. Also, the Foundation for Pottstown Education has selected new officers and members for its board of directors.
Dollar General Literacy Grants Go To OJR, Phoenixville
POTTSTOWN PA – Grants presented by the Dollar General Literacy Foundation, intended to boost literacy programs for readers in kindergarten through 12th grade, have been awarded to the Owen J. Roberts and Phoenixville Area school districts, the foundation says.
Foundation “youth literacy grant” funding for both is part of gifts totaling $130,000 across Pennsylvania, and more broadly amounting to $3.5 million nationally. They were announced Thursday (Aug. 14, 2025). Recipients can use the money for professional development opportunities, and to purchase books, technology, equipment or materials.
The 36 grants delivered to non-profit organizations, libraries and schools in Pennsylvania alone are expected to benefit about 20,000 individuals in the state, the foundation estimates. The foundation reports it has awarded more than $275 million in grants since 1973.
French Creek Elementary School in Pottstown’s Owen J. Roberts School District will receive a $3,000 grant. The Phoenixville district won a $5,000 award. The foundation says both will either implement new literacy initiatives or expand existing ones.
Photo by Getty Images on Unsplash+, used by Travels With The Post under license
Pottstown Foundation Appoints Board Officers, Members
POTTSTOWN PA – Four new members have been appointed to the board of directors of the Foundation for Pottstown Education, it reported Tuesday (Aug. 19, 2025), and new board officers also have been selected. All began their terms on July 1, the foundation says.
Chosen as officers for three-year terms are Leticia Santiago, president; Joe Cavallo, vice president; Stephanie Ziegler, treasurer; and Jenn O’Donnell, secretary.
Santiago, associate managing counsel for William J. Ferren & Associates Travelers Indemnity Company, recently completed a three-year term as foundation board vice president.
Named as board members are Amy Auwaerter, Andrew Green, Hailey Heimbach, and Lisa Lightcap.
- Auwaerter is senior director of operations at the Montgomery County Community College West Campus in Pottstown. She serves on the foundation’s special events committee;
- Green, one of the foundation’s ambassadors and public speakers, is a caseworker and staff member in the congressional office of Pennsylvania 4th District Rep. Madeleine Dean;
- Heimbach is marketing and communications director of the TriCounty Area Chamber of Commerce. She works on the foundation’s marketing committee; and
- Lisa Lightcap is the vice president for commercial lending at QNB Bank. She serves on the foundation’s special events committee.
The foundation raises funds for, and supports educational opportunities to benefit, students and teachers in the Pottstown School District. Its offices are located at 230 Beech St., Pottstown.
Education Issues and Local School News is a feature of The Post Publications and its Travels With The Post edition. It covers news specifically about education and school districts within Montgomery, Berks, and Chester counties. Find more education articles here.
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