2025 Hatchet Fund Grants Announced
Celebrating Innovation and Creativity at Bad Axe Schools
HCCF Executive Director, Mackenzie Price, and Bad Axe Public Schools Superintendent, Greg Newland, hold a check celebrating the 2025 grant from the Hatchet Fund.
The Huron County Community Foundation (HCCF) is proud to announce the 2025 recipients of the Hatchet Fund grants: Mr. Pokley for Population Monitoring and Mr. Snider for Art in a Digital Age. Each educator will receive a $375 grant to bring their innovative project to life and enhance student learning at Bad Axe Public Schools.
The Hatchet Fund, managed by HCCF, is a permanent endowment fund created to benefit Bad Axe Public Schools. Like similar school funds in Harbor Beach, Ubly, and Laker districts, the Hatchet Fund receives contributions from staff, community members, alumni, and school supporters who want to ensure a bright future for local students. The Hatchet Fund awarded its first grant in 2018 and now provides annual grants to support projects that foster learning both in and outside the classroom.
“The idea to start the Hatchet Fund came from the great people of the Bad Axe community who donate their time, talents, and money to our school programs,” said Bad Axe Superintendent Greg Newland. “In working with the Foundation, the process to donate is very simple and donors will know that their gift is going directly to help with the high quality education provided to our students.”
Since its establishment, the Hatchet Fund has supported a range of educational enhancements, from funding a physical education archery unit to a grant for the Industrial Arts class to upgrade their CNC equipment and software. This year’s grants continue the tradition of hands-on, innovative learning.
2025 Grant Recipients
Mr. Pokley – Population Monitoring
This grant will purchase mist nets and identification markers for Ecology and Biology students to monitor populations safely and efficiently in the Bad Axe Public Schools Nature Area. This equipment will allow students to use the same techniques that wildlife biologists use for capturing accurate data about species diversity, abundance, and movement.
Mr. Snider – Art in a Digital Age
This project expands the artistic experiences of Bad Axe art students to include digital painting and digital sketching. Creating digital art helps prepare students for college level art programs and cultivates the real-world skill of digital creation.
Each of these projects exemplifies the spirit of the Hatchet Fund by supporting creative, student-centered opportunities that help Bad Axe students explore new ideas, gain real-world skills, and engage deeply in their education.
“We’re proud to partner with the Bad Axe district and excited to see how this year’s projects unfold,” said HCCF Executive Director Mackenzie Price. “These grants are possible because of the generosity of those who care deeply about education and our local schools.”
The Hatchet Fund continues to grow through community support. Contributions of any size help build a lasting legacy for future generations of Bad Axe students. If you would like to contribute to the Hatchet Fund, please visit www.huroncountycommunityfoundation.org or call HCCF at 989-269-2850. Checks may be mailed to PO Box 56, Bad Axe, MI 48413 (please include “Hatchet Fund” in the memo line).
Together, we’re shaping the future! One idea, one project, and one student at a time.