Sean Hughes Memorial Fund

On November 13, 2021, beloved Lower Merion High School Principal Sean Hughes was killed in a car crash. In the year since his passing, his family, friends and members of his beloved high school community – including students, staff and alumni -- have been meeting to decide on a fitting way to remember Dr. Hughes.

The Sean Hughes Tribute Committee is pleased to announce that local sculptor and Harriton High School alumnus Miguel Antonio Horn has agreed to design an artistic multi-part tribute on the Lower Merion High School campus. The proposed design, which would require approval from the Lower Merion Board of School Directors, includes a unique gateway to campus reflecting both the physical image of Dr. Hughes and the tenets of his oft-stated motto that “Character Counts.” As ninth-grade students “Enter to Learn” and 12^th-grade students “Go Forth to Serve,” they will pass through this gateway, creating the kind of school tradition that Dr. Hughes so loved.

Later proposed aspects of the on-campus memorial will include turning a grass slope between the high school and administration buildings into both a memorial garden for quiet reflection and an outdoor amphitheater for use by classes and other student groups. Dr. Hughes, who instituted “Lunch and Learn,” was always looking for creative ways for students to use spaces on campus in ways that supported their intellectual curiosity, mental health and sense of comfort and belonging at school.

In addition to the artistic memorial, the Sean Hughes Memorial Fund has already fully funded the 25-year “Sean Hughes Character Counts Scholarship” though the Lower Merion Township Scholarship Fund. As with all scholarships awarded by LMTSF, this will be a needs-based scholarship, with consideration given to a child who has lost a parent.

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Donations to the Sean Hughes Memorial Fund are being collected through the Education Foundation of Lower Merion and may be made HERE via PayPal (click the “Donate” button) or by sending a check to:

Sean Hughes Memorial Fund
c/o Education Foundation of Lower Merion
P.O. Box 79
Narberth, PA 19072

Donation and Sponsorship Opportunities

LEGACY STONES: $1,250

Take Your Place in the Sean Hughes Memorial Plaza

The natural boulder seating that will line the hillside isn’t just part of the design—it’s where students will gather, talk, laugh, and simply be.

These stones will hold conversations, friendships, and quiet moments for years to come.

For a $1,250 contribution, your family’s name—or a message of your choosing—will be permanently engraved on a boulder within the plaza.

A lasting connection to a space built on character, kindness, and community.

Limited availability.

MAROON LEVEL     ($2,001-$4,999)

 ACES NATION LEVEL  ($5,000 – $9,999)

 PLATINUM LEVEL  (OVER 10K)

 GOLF SPONSORSHIP

 5K SPONSORSHIPS 

SEAN HUGHES MEMORIAL PLAZA, PHASE THREE: 

GREEN (CLIMATE PURSUIT) LEVEL -  ($100 - 1,000K) 

Your donation will help us finalize the beautiful Plaza by including:

• Landscape Plantings (qty 100) - $150

• Lighting Elements (qty 20)  $500 

• Shade Elements (qty 10) $1000 

• Benches (qty 3) @ $2,000 each

*Please contact Committee Secretary Amy Buckman, (BuckmaA@lmsd.org) for more information on all sponsorship opportunities, including donor recognition inclusion.

• Sean Hughes Character Counts Memorial 5K and Fun Run - November 8, 2026
• Sean Hughes Memorial Plaza Ribbon Cutting - November 8, 2026

Sponsorships are available for all of our events. Please reach out to KristiHughes@comcast.net for sponsorship opportunities.

Sponsorships and donations to the Sean Hughes Memorial Fund are being collected through the Education Foundation of Lower Merion (EFLM) site and may be made HERE via PayPal (click the “Donate” button) or by sending a check to:

Sean Hughes Memorial Fund
c/o Education Foundation of Lower Merion
P.O. Box 79
Narberth, PA 19072

Sean A. Hughes, principal of Lower Merion High School for more than 14 years, was killed in a collision on Saturday, Nov. 13, 2021, while driving his son to a soccer game. He was survived by his wife, Kristi, sons Nolan and Jack, and daughter Kate.

Dr. Hughes was a dedicated educator and a life-long learner. He attended Cardinal O'Hara High School, LaSalle University and Widener University, from which he received a posthumous Doctorate in Education.

He was beloved by thousands of students who passed through the halls of Lower Merion over the years. He knew most of them by name and always had time to listen to their concerns, cheer them on and support their accomplishments. They greeted him in the halls by calling out his signature nickname, “Huuuuuuughes.” He welcomed each one at 9th grade orientation and proudly handed out diplomas at their graduations. In the years between, he MC’ed their Amazing Ace competitions in his gold sequined jacket, inducted students into the National Honor Society and recognized Merit Scholars. He encouraged student voice at every turn, the door to his office was always open.

Dr. Hughes shared the motto and belief that “character counts,” a message his students surely will carry throughout their lives. It is not an overstatement to say his impact on his students is immeasurable.

Dr. Hughes also served as President of the Central Athletic League and coached youth sports.

The Sean Hughes Memorial Fund is busy fundraising and hosting events that will enable us to open a section of the Sean Hughes Memorial Plaza on the fifth year anniversary of his tragic death (November 2026).

In the days immediately after we lost Sean on November 13, 2021, the stunned community came together to honor Sean with tributes and monetary donations. A few months later, The Sean Hughes Memorial Committee, led by Sean’s widow, Kristi Hughes, was formed. Initial fundraising by this committee was used to create a 25-year Sean Hughes Character Counts Scholarship through the Lower Merion Township Scholarship Fund. This is a needs-based scholarship, with consideration given to a child who has lost a parent. It has since been awarded in 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026 to four incredible LM students who have moved forward on their college paths.

In the years since that horrific day in 2021, we have also hosted multiple events, including a St. Patrick’s Day celebration, annual 5K runs and Golf Classics. These public events, combined with several school-based events, such as Amazing Ace and the LM Lip Dub, have raised over $100,000.

We are about halfway to our fundraising goal of $250,000 -- which will allow us to begin Phase One of the Sean Hughes Memorial Plaza on the campus of Sean’s beloved high school. The on-campus memorial will include turning a grass slope between the high school and administration buildings into a memorial garden for quiet reflection and an outdoor amphitheater for classes and other student groups.

We are so grateful for the support we have received over the last four years. But we need your help to keep the momentum going and to reach our goal!

Principal Hughes believed learning should be fun and engaging and differences should be celebrated. This garden and plaza will provide an environment that will allow students to relax and unwind and also spark their curiosity and creativity in a safe, inclusive space. Whether it's through hands-on outdoor projects, interactive classes, award ceremonies, lunch and learns or quiet moments of mindfulness to dream about the future, we hope the LM students look forward to visiting the Sean Hughes Memorial Plaza and Amphitheater every school day.

Please be on the lookout on our website  or  Instagram page for more information about our upcoming events and additional ways to support our efforts.