Culver Academies has held a special place in the hearts of the Heckman Family ever since Mark and Karyn’s son, Evan, attended Woodcraft Camp in 1999 - 2001. While at the six-week summer camp, Evan transformed from a shy little boy to a confident adolescent as Woodcraft thought him new skills, such as scuba diving, sailing and team sports, prepared him for the upcoming school year each summer and instilled necessary leadership skills. Karyn was so impressed by this transformation that when Evan asked to attend Culver Military Academy (winter school) she had no choice but to say yes.
While Evan attended Culver Military Academy for high school, the Heckman Family became more enamored by the school and what it offered to all of its students. Culver encouraged Evan to develop his individual interests such as world and natural history, politics and language skills, all while helping him move beyond self-imposed limitations as he rose up the ranks throughout his four year career to graduate second in command of his unit. The Culver Military Academy brought the best out of Evan.
The ideas and virtues that Culver Academies teaches and instills in its students and campers makes it a perfect partner for the Karyn Heckman Family Foundation.
The School of St. Jude offers bright young students from impoverished backgrounds the opportunity for an outstanding education. The school’s motto is “Fighting Poverty Through Education”. By providing a free, high-quality education to children who — due to poverty and social pressures — would otherwise be unlikely to complete their schooling, the school gives hopes to a region that is constantly plagued by setbacks.
Over the years, the Heckman family has developed strong ties with the School of St. Jude. In the past the family has sponsored many students, teachers and buses. Evan spent over 10 months volunteering at the school as the purchasing coordinator in 2011 - 2012. The Karyn Heckman Family Foundation continues these sponsorship is looking explore more ways to give better opportunities to these bright young students.