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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Honoring a Legacy of Education and Philanthropy: Celebrating the Life of Dr. Sylvia Devine First and foremost I will miss my children. Oddly enough, I never taught for thirty three years. I offered guidance in the learning experience. Children teach themselves and it is a teacher’s, as well as the parent’s responsibility to consistently give their very best effort to guide a growing mind to independence and a lifelong quest for learning - Sylvia Devine January 14, 2025 (Trenton, MI) – Dr. Sylvia Devine, a revered educator and now philanthropist, has left an indelible mark on our community through her extraordinary generosity. In a final act of compassion, Mrs. Devine, as known by her students, left $1.5 million to Trenton Public Schools. She also left an additional $500,000 for scholarships in a fund that will be in named after both Ms. Devine (6/22/44 - 1/15/2021) and her late husband Donald Devine (7/15/30 - 10/6/2010). This will ensure that their legacy of supporting education and inspiring future generations will continue for years to come. (Sylvia Jakob, Senior Pic, 1962 - THS) Sylvia Devine earned her PhD in Psychology in 2000, culminating a lifelong commitment to education that began with her graduation from Trenton High School in 1962 (Sylvia Jakob). While in high school, Sylvia was active in cheerleading, swimming, the Homecoming Steering Committee, as well as the Senior Choir. She was also a member of the National Honor Society and served as the Secretary of the Student Council. Moreover, she was the runner-up in the National Red Tart Cherry Recipe Contest in 1962. She won a certificate, Sunbeam Mixmaster, and $50 for her recipe. She was also voted MOST SINCERE by her classmates for being hardworking and most dedicated. Her academic journey continued at Eastern Michigan University (EMU), where she graduated in 1966 with a B.S. degree. During her time at EMU, she distinguished herself as a varsity cheerleader, serving as captain in her senior year, a member of the swim club, and the 1st Vice President of Associated Women Students. In 1969, Ms. Devine earned her Master’s Degree in Reading from EMU. She embarked on a teaching career that saw her come back to her hometown of Trenton that same year. She began shaping young minds at Hedke Elementary School and taught there until 1974. After two years at Foley, she moved to Taylor Elementary in 1976 as a beloved second-grade teacher until her retirement in 1999. Even after retiring, she continued to impact students' lives by substituting until 2001. (Sylvia Devine - @ Taylor Elementary) Sylvia Devine was not only a remarkable educator but also a passionate advocate for public service workers, especially firefighters, who she recognized emphatically. Known for her impeccable sense of style, she always dressed to impress. One of her charming traditions included wearing "spring" shoes with a spring heel on the first day of spring every year, much to the delight of her students. Her presence was magnetic; she was never alone at recess, often surrounded by crowds of children eager to be near her. She instituted the "honored student of the week" who got to sit at a special old schoolhouse desk, making each chosen student feel extraordinarily special. A lover of Shel Silverstein’s poetry, Dr. Devine shared a poem on the board daily for students to copy and practice their handwriting. Her sing-song phrase, "tough break jelly cake, don't it make you sick?" became a beloved mantra that helped students move on from their complaints with a smile. One of the most poignant examples of her philanthropy was a Christmas morning when she dropped off a giant garbage bag filled with wrapped gifts and stuffed animals at a student's family home. Catching a glimpse of her running back to her car, all four children felt the magic of her generosity, each one hoping to be in her class after their siblings. Dr. Devine’s legacy is one of profound impact, compassion, and dedication to the betterment of others. Her contributions to education and her community will be remembered and cherished for generations to come. This donation, now worth $1.8 million, has been earmarked to build the Sylvia Devine Activity Center (The Mountain) at Boyd Arthurs Middle School, where the old pool was once housed. This new facility will provide students with space to engage in beneficial opportunities, participate in after-school clubs, and attend various events. Initial work will begin the week of February 3, 2025. THE MOUNTAIN (by Sylvia Devine) In my youth, I climbed up the mountains where a wise old man lived—to seek out wisdom and purpose in life for the years that lie ahead. Is knowledge from reading learned men the path that I should take? “How you apply what you know is knowledge,” is all the old man said. Will it broaden my application to analyze and critique all that I’ve learned? “How you adapt and change widens your acceptance of human behavior,” is all that he discerned. Should I deprive myself of materialistic gain to reach an inner peace on a higher plane? “How you enjoy your possessions gives peace if accepted only as a loan in His name.” Is generous tithing and public affirmation of Him essential for salvation—how and when will I know? The old man paused, smiled, and replied, “When you can anonymously donate to the multitude in need and graciously receive gestures of love regardless of wise and worth—then you shall know.” Are you saying that religion is man’s imaginative justification for the Creation? He slowly rose from his seated position and turned from me—to the majestic view beyond, and there was tranquility. “It is man’s freedom to have a belief that gives him purpose, character, universality, individuality... dignity,” and he spoke no more. Many years have passed, yet my memory of the wise old man of the mountain remains as if it were yesterday. Through the years, I have become a bit wiser, and if someone were to ask the same questions I sought answers to years ago, I would say, at least till this day: Learning is never-ending. Life is ever-changing and an adventure for those willing to explore the galaxy of their untapped potential. The most precious possession is the sharing of your only real possession—yourself. The Creation is well worth dedicated conviction. Just as death is inevitable from the time of birth, living is the climb from the valley to the mountain. And when you have climbed long and arduously to the pinnacle of your mountain—you will see your valley from a different point of view and smile at the grandeur of knowing the main character in the dream of life is you. FLOOR PLAN 2025 - INITIAL CONSTRUCTION BEGINS FEBRUARY/2025

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The Mountain - AMS Activity Center