PSEF NEWS: May 2025
PSEF ANNUAL MEETING
The Pico Ski Education Foundation held its Annual Meeting on Wednesday, May 7, 2025.
The PSEF Board of Directors has confirmed its Officers for the coming year:
- Melissa Karr, President
- Dan Cole, Vice President
- Lindsey Harris, Secretary
- Christopher Heald, Treasurer
Changes to the PSEF Board Announced:
Liz Yaddow and Tyler Weideman have announced their decisions to step down from the Board of Directors to focus on other personal and professional endeavors. We thank Liz and Tyler for their years of service, support, and dedication to the Pico Ski Education Foundation and Pico Ski Racing Program.
Two new members have been appointed to the PSEF Board of Directors: Jess Buckley and Justin Cannella
Jess and her husband Ryan are proud parents of two U8 female athletes—one of whom is moving up to U10 next season. Jess has experienced firsthand how transformative ski racing and being part of the Pico Ski Club community can be for children and their families. From confidence and independence to sportsmanship, teamwork, and lasting friendships, she understands the impact reaches far beyond the slopes. Jess’s passion for youth development and advocacy is deeply rooted in both her personal and professional experience. Jess has coached varsity soccer and lacrosse and witnessed how powerful team sports can be in shaping young people. Professionally, Jess holds a Master’s in Social Work and has dedicated her career to advocacy in schools, community mental health settings, and now private practice. Jess holds a Board of Directors seat with Postpartum Support International, Massachusetts Chapter where she is the Advocacy Lead working to continue to improve mental health outcomes for birthing persons and their families.
Jess Buckley
Justin’s journey with Pico Ski Club began at 9 years old, growing up in a local Rutland family. Weekends were spent from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. skiing, training gates, racing, eating Belgian waffles, and playing on snowbanks. When it rained, the kids would head into the arcade on the first floor of the condos—Pico was their playground and second home. Pico Ski Club shaped Justin in lasting ways. It taught him the value of hard work, perseverance, resilience, and confidence. Justin spent nine years in the program before finishing his racing career with MSJ. Now, it’s incredibly meaningful to Justin to return with a new perspective—as a parent of three young children, two of whom are already in the program: Lily (U10) and Molly (U8), with Jake (3½) ready to follow their tracks. As an out-of-state weekend family now based in New Jersey, Justin understands the challenges and sacrifices of the weekend warrior grind—but also just how deeply rewarding and enriching the Pico experience is for his children and their entire family. Justin and his wife, Meg, both have demanding careers—Justin has been a financial advisor at PNC Investments for nearly 20 years, and Meg is a trust and estate planning attorney. Despite the busy weeks and long drives, they knew they wanted their children to have the same incredible experience Justin had growing up. Justin looks forward to giving back to the program that has given his family so much.
Justin Cannella
2025 PSEF SCHOLARSHIPS
This year's annual PSC Race Award Ceremony was held on Saturday, March 29th where we had the privilege of announcing this year’s PSEF scholarship recipients. The PSEF Scholarship Committee issued its Report that over $10,000 in scholarships were awarded to PSC athletes for post season reimbursements and for the upcoming summer as well as next year’s race season. Our PSC Athletes had an unprecedented year, with 3 athletes advancing to the U14 CanAMs in Mont Tremblant, Canada.
On behalf of PSEF, we congratulate all our PSC Athletes for an amazing season. We are so incredibly proud of your accomplishments and look forward to seeing you again next winter.
Scholarship descriptions and guidelines can be found here
Some of the upcoming PSEF Projects
- B-Slope Timing and Wiring Updates (installing summer 2025) – Est $28,000
- New Fencing and Course Safety Updates (installing for 2025/26 season) – Est $7,000
- Technology Updates for 2025/26 (purchasing new iPads for video replay and coaching analysis) – Cost TBD
- Additional funding towards coaches fees to keep race registration costs low for participating families. Amount TBD
Thank you to all that supported our fundraising efforts this season. It is because of your generosity that our program is able to thrive and continue to develop highly skilled, competitive ski racers.
If you are looking for the right time to pledge or donate...How about now?
THANK YOU
To all of those that make Pico Mountain such a special place, we THANK YOU.
We look forward to seeing all of the Pico athletes, coaches, volunteers, parents, supporters and mountain personnel next season.
STAY SAFE. BE WELL.