By Morgan Hill ’16

The Elaine Shuster Foundation, created by the family of sophomore Emma Shuster, is an organization dedicated to raising funds and awareness in order to give back to the educational community in Maryland. The foundation held a fundraiser on December 14 at the American Tap Room in Bethesda that included a silent auction and appearances by professional athletes from the DC area.

The mission of the organization is to raise money to donate to various educational charities throughout the state. The foundation, named after a former Montgomery County schoolteacher, focuses on supporting grade level education in the state. Spokespeople for the foundation highlight their desire to cultivate a community in which teachers displau a passion for learning and their desire to advance the establishments in which this passion can be shared with students.

Former Redskins player Shawn Springs and current Redskins player Ryan Kerrigan hosted this year’s fundraiser event. Special appearances were also made by Nationals player Ryan Zimmerman and former Maryland Terrapins Lonny Baxter and Steve Francis. The silent auction featured items autographed by various professional athletes. Athletes affiliated with the foundation and those that have appeared at past events have emphasized the importance of education and the balance between education and outside activities such as athletics.