AYER — James and Christine Laggis Wood have always carried a deep appreciation for the community that helped shape their lives.
Proud alumni of Ayer-Shirley Regional High School, the Woods believe strongly in the power of education and in the importance of making sure today’s students have access to the tools and opportunities they need to succeed. That belief has inspired the creation of the James and Christine Laggis Wood Education Foundation, a new endowed fund that will support STEM education and student opportunity within the Ayer Shirley Regional School District.
The fund will provide annual support to the Ayer Shirley Education Foundation (ASEF) for STEM programming, as well as a yearly scholarship for a student pursuing a degree in STEM or nursing. Established in partnership with the Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts, the endowment was created as part of the Woods’ estate planning, ensuring their support for local students will continue for generations to come.
For the Woods, this gift is a way to give back to a school system, and a town, that helped shape who they are today.
“We both graduated from Ayer High School, and we absolutely loved it,” Christine said. “It was a blue-collar town with so many bright, capable students. We were always proud of the community and the education we received there.”
James went on to major in mechanical engineering and the couple knew early on that supporting students interested in similar career paths felt especially meaningful. By establishing the fund as part of their estate planning, the Woods ensured their commitment to education would continue for generations to come.
“We partnered with the Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts because we trust that the fund will be responsibly stewarded forever,” they shared.
Each year the fund will allow ASEF to identify and support high-impact STEM initiatives throughout the district. This could include robotics and engineering kits, hands-on science lab equipment, AI and technology tools, and opportunities for students to participate in specialized STEM clubs and competitions.
“The Woods’ generosity strengthens our ability to evaluate and fund meaningful STEM enrichments,” said Ayer Shirley Education Foundation Co-President Randy Clemence. “Their commitment to our students is inspiring, and we are honored to help steward this support year after year.”
In addition to program funding, the endowment will provide an annual scholarship to a student pursuing STEM or nursing — fields the Woods believe are essential to both individual success and community well-being. They were surprised to learn that some scholarships go underutilized simply because families aren’t always aware of what’s available.
Their hope is that this fund will not only provide financial support but also encourage students and families to explore opportunities they may not have thought possible. This is the Woods’ second endowed fund with the Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts, following the creation of a fund supporting the Ayer Library in 2024 — another institution close to their hearts.
“We hope others in the community will think about what matters most to them,” Christine said. “You really can shape your own legacy by supporting the programs and opportunities you care about.”
Those interested in learning more about establishing an endowed fund or supporting local initiatives are encouraged to contact Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts Director of Philanthropy Erin Thomason via email at [email protected].
– Erin Thomason, Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts
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