November 6, 2026

Licking Memorial Health Systems (LMHS) announced that A Call to College is the Mary Jane McDonald Building a Healthier Community Award recipient for 2026.  A Call to College is a non-profit organization founded in 1991, dedicated to promoting college access and success for students in Newark City Schools.  The Licking Memorial Hospital (LMH) Development Council created the Building a Heathier Community Award in 2005 to honor a group or organization in Licking County with an ongoing work or project that reflects LMHS’ mission to improve the health of the community.  It was renamed the Mary Jane McDonald Building a Heathier Community Award in 2018.  

Mary Jane was a member of the LMH Board of Directors from 1981 to 1987, and a member of the LMHS Board of Directors from 1988 to 1999.  She was elected as the first female Chair of the LMHS Board in 1991 and received the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2001.  Mary Jane dedicated her time and talents to enriching the lives of countless Licking County residents through her charitable and selfless acts of volunteerism.

A Call to College operates with a mission to ensure every Newark City Schools student has the opportunity to pursue and complete education beyond high school.  Their vision is rooted in the belief that higher education transforms lives and communities, and their work is a direct investment in the future of Newark.  They fulfill their mission by encouraging Newark City Schools students to graduate from high school and pursue further education, guiding students and families through college financial aid options, providing Last Dollar Grants to eligible graduates, and promoting the benefits of education beyond high school.

“Education acts as a foundational social determinant of health, driving longer life expectancies, better chronic disease prevention, and higher health literacy,” explained LMHS President & CEO Rob Montagnese.  “A Call to College’s vision of assisting students to pursue higher education is directly in line with our mission to improve the health of the community.  Our local students will be equipped with the resources needed to navigate healthcare systems and adopt healthier lifestyle habits.”   

“We are grateful for the support of LMHS and honored to receive such a prestigious award.  I have always believed that investing in education is one of the most meaningful investments we can make in our community.  A Call to College opens doors, builds confidence, creates possibilities, and helps students see a future they may not have thought possible,” Sarah Wallace, A Call to College Board member shared.  “What makes this organization so special is the people behind it.  The donors, volunteers, educators, community partners, and staff who believe in this mission and give so generously of their time, talent, and resources.  I am incredibly proud of what A Call to College has accomplished, but even more excited about the lives it will continue to impact.”

Beginning in elementary school, A Call to College introduces students to the idea of higher education at an early age through the Partnerships in Education, and Access for Kids (PEAK) Program.  Using engaging, age-appropriate activities and resources, staff members work to foster a college-going mindset.  Programs like the “I Know I Can Go To College” reading initiative for second graders, along with guided campus visits for sixth graders, help cultivate confidence and ambition.  PEAK serves more than 1,800 elementary and middle school students throughout Newark City Schools, building a strong foundation of belief and aspiration for their future.

In high school, A Call to College provides a comprehensive network of support designed to meet each student’s unique needs.  The program includes individualized advising, ACT and SAT preparation, financial aid and FAFSA assistance, college visits, and guidance through the application process.  The organization’s signature Last Dollar Grant program helps close crucial funding gaps for graduating seniors pursuing higher education.  A Call to College supports high school students and addresses logistical, academic, and financial obstacles that can otherwise hinder college aspirations.

A Call to College has awarded more than $4 million in need-based Last Dollar Grants to Newark High School graduates over the past 35 years.  Students may receive up to $2,500 annually for up to four years.  These renewable grants are designed to fill remaining financial gaps and often make the difference in a student’s ability to attend college.  In addition, the organization continues to support students throughout their college experience by providing advising, emergency assistance, and ongoing academic encouragement.

The organization maintains strong, strategic partnerships with higher education institutions such as Denison University, Central Ohio Technical College, and The Ohio State University at Newark.  These collaborations offer mentoring, tutoring, campus visit opportunities, and shared resources that expand the reach and impact of A Call to College's mission.  The non-profit also collaborates closely with school counselors, teachers, and administrators, establishing a unified support system for students and their families.

With the support of more than 270 active volunteers each year, including retirees, educators, local professionals, and alumni, A Call to College is highly valued in the Newark community.  Volunteers contribute thousands of hours annually by mentoring students, conducting interviews, assisting with grant application reviews, and leading classroom sessions.  This strong community involvement reflects a shared belief in the importance of education and highlights the organization’s ability to inspire and mobilize support for its mission.

A Call to College has received both local and statewide recognition for their long-standing impact and excellence.  The organization was honored with the Thomas L. Conlan Award from the KnowledgeWorks Foundation, which recognizes outstanding efforts to expand access to higher education.  In 2014, the organization was also named Non-profit of the Year by the Licking County Chamber of Commerce.  These distinctions highlight its professionalism, proven results, and enduring commitment to educational equity.