Raiders and Eagles for the Valley (REV)
Supporting Students at Kennett High School & Fryeburg Academy
Raiders and Eagles for the Valley (REV) is a collaborative, student-centered initiative that provides essential support to high school students facing financial hardship at Kennett High School and Fryeburg Academy. Through partnerships between Kiwanis, student service clubs, school support staff, and local businesses, the program helps remove barriers that interfere with students’ ability to attend school, work, and focus on their education.
This project recognizes that many students in our community face challenges that are often unseen — and that small, timely support can make a meaningful difference.
Recognition
Raiders and Eagles for the Valley (REV) earned a First-Place Project Award at the 2025 New England and Bermuda District Educational Conference as the Kennett High School Key Club’s Single Service Project. The project was recognized for its impact supporting students and families and also received international recognition. REV was formally celebrated at the Key Club International Convention in Orlando.
The DellaValla Trio — siblings Molly, Joseph, and John — a student bluegrass group, who play high-energy bluegrass standards and original tunes, have orchestrated several fundraisers in support of Raiders and Eagles for the Valley. Molly served as Kennett High School Key Club President during the 2023–2024 school year and is currently an MWV Kiwanis member attending Yale.
Background & History
Raiders and Eagles for the Valley (REV) began during the 2022–2023 school year, when the Family Support Liaison at Kennett High School reached out to the Kennett Key Club with a request for help. She was seeing students struggle to meet basic needs — such as groceries, gas, and personal care items — which directly affected their ability to attend school and maintain employment.
In response, Key Club students organized their first fundraiser in spring 2022: a basket auction held in conjunction with a Kennett dance show, with a portion of ticket sales also supporting the effort. Community members and the Kiwanis Club of Mount Washington Valley generously contributed, helping turn a one-time fundraiser into a sustainable program.
Since then, REV has grown into an ongoing initiative. Funds raised by students and community partners are used to provide restricted-use gift cards to school Family Support Liaisons, who discreetly distribute assistance to students in need. In January 2025, the program expanded to include Fryeburg Academy, allowing support to reach students across both school communities.
Why This Project Is Needed
Some students lack consistent access to essentials like food, fuel, or clothing — even while attending school and holding jobs. Others experience housing instability or family financial strain but do not meet traditional definitions of homelessness. These students often go unnoticed, carrying their challenges quietly due to stigma or fear.
School Family Support Liaisons are uniquely positioned to identify these needs while protecting student privacy. REV provides them with a trusted, responsive resource, allowing support to be delivered quickly, respectfully, and confidentially.
By addressing immediate day-to-day needs, the program helps students remain engaged in school and reduces stress that can derail academic and personal goals.
Program Goals
• Improve attendance by reducing financial barriers that prevent students from consistently attending school or work
• Support academic engagement by helping students focus on learning through access to basic necessities
• Promote well-being and self-esteem by supporting stability, confidence, and dignity
• Strengthen the local support network by complementing existing school and community programs
How the Program Works
Funds raised through student-led and community fundraisers are used primarily for gas and grocery gift cards, as well as clothing when needed. Gift cards are often restricted to essential purchases, ensuring funds are used as intended.
Decisions about assistance — including frequency and type of support — are made by the Family Support Liaisons, who know students’ situations firsthand and can verify need without breaching confidentiality.
The program intentionally has no fixed overhead costs, allowing nearly all funds raised to go directly to students.
Collaboration & Leadership
Raiders and Eagles for the Valley is built on collaboration across generations and organizations, including:
• Kiwanis Club of Mount Washington Valley
• Kennett Key Club
• Fryeburg Academy Interact Club
• School Family Support Liaisons
• Community partners
Sustainability & Future Vision
The program adapts its annual fundraising goals based on community capacity and student need. Past targets have grown gradually, reflecting increased awareness and participation.
Looking ahead, REV may operate as a year-round complement to Angels & Elves, expanding the reach of an already trusted and well-established 501(c)(3). Collaboration with other service organizations and businesses will remain central to long-term sustainability.
Accountability & Transparency
To ensure responsible stewardship of funds, REV follows established best practices, including:
• Secure, non-identifying documentation
• Detailed budget tracking and original receipts
• Grant and donor reporting
• Periodic internal reviews
• Clear guidelines for ethical decision-making
Student privacy is always protected.
Making an Impact Together – to Donate
Raiders and Eagles for the Valley exists because students, educators, and community members saw a need — and chose to respond together. By meeting basic needs with dignity and care, the program helps students stay engaged, supported, and hopeful.
You can donate in the following ways:
- Venmo: Send your donation to @mwvkiwanis with a note specifying it is for the REV program.
- Mail: Send a check payable to Kiwanis Club of Mount Washington Valley (add a note it is for REV) to:
P.O. Box 1993, North Conway, NH 03860.
Note: Kiwanis is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (EIN 42-1596314).
Annual Fundraiser – The Jackson Jingle Jam!
Now in its second year, the Jackson Jingle Jam brings people together during the holiday season for an evening filled with live music, warmth, and community spirit. Held at the Whitney Community Center in Jackson and hosted by the Dellavalla Trio, the night invites musicians and listeners alike to share in an open jam session followed by a joyful community concert.
What began as a simple gathering has quickly grown into a cherished annual tradition, rooted in generosity and connection. Through music, laughter, and shared purpose, the Jingle Jam supports REV and the Waystation (which serves individuals and families in Mount Washington Valley experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity), reminding us how powerful it can be when a community comes together to give back.
