Their greatness was never in being strong, but in the right use of strength. He was a man who aspired to provide just enough leadership, tools, and direction so that all of those who he touched would be able to say they did it themselves.
Andy and Heidi Ladd moved to Chester in 1980, young and ready to start a life together. Andy was a natural builder and Heidi was a natural learner. Together they built relationships, their own construction company, a loving family, and through the support of their local community, they built stronger students and a better place.
They lived in Chester for 30 years and just about everyone in town knew the Ladds, but there was one thing most people never knew.
Andy Ladd was a college dropout. He dropped out of college for two reasons:
1.) He thought he had a problem that nobody else had.
2.) He thought he was alone.
Heidi Ladd, however, not only achieved a Bachelor’s in Biology, but went on to gain a Master’s in Public Administration. Learning was her passion. Throughout her life she witnessed many people fall through the collegiate cracks and it bothered her. It became her mission in life to help every child learn and learn well. To arm them with knowledge, passion and support so they could achieve their goals – much like her husband.
Despite dropping out of college, Andy went on to lead a successful and happy life in Vermont, though he always regretted that he never finished college. He had dreams of becoming an engineer, but walked away from them because he didn’t have help. Learning from his mistakes, the couple worked hard to make sure that none of their own children fell victim to the same fate. They also went beyond to support hundreds of local students through their many community service efforts.
The Andy & Heidi Ladd Scholarship has been created as a way for Andy and Heidi to continue their legacy of supporting local students and perhaps give them the help they need to achieve their college dreams. Andy and Heidi’s lives prove that everyone can be great. You don’t have to have a college degree, you don’t have to drive a fancy car, you don’t even have to make a lot of money—you only need a heart full of compassion, a smile and a helping hand every once in a while.
Live your best life.
Andy and Heidi Ladd moved to Chester in 1980, young and ready to start a life together. Andy was a natural builder and Heidi was a natural learner. Together they built relationships, their own construction company, a loving family, and through the support of their local community, they built stronger students and a better place.
They lived in Chester for 30 years and just about everyone in town knew the Ladds, but there was one thing most people never knew.
Andy Ladd was a college dropout. He dropped out of college for two reasons:
1.) He thought he had a problem that nobody else had.
2.) He thought he was alone.
Heidi Ladd, however, not only achieved a Bachelor’s in Biology, but went on to gain a Master’s in Public Administration. Learning was her passion. Throughout her life she witnessed many people fall through the collegiate cracks and it bothered her. It became her mission in life to help every child learn and learn well. To arm them with knowledge, passion and support so they could achieve their goals – much like her husband.
Despite dropping out of college, Andy went on to lead a successful and happy life in Vermont, though he always regretted that he never finished college. He had dreams of becoming an engineer, but walked away from them because he didn’t have help. Learning from his mistakes, the couple worked hard to make sure that none of their own children fell victim to the same fate. They also went beyond to support hundreds of local students through their many community service efforts.
The Andy & Heidi Ladd Scholarship has been created as a way for Andy and Heidi to continue their legacy of supporting local students and perhaps give them the help they need to achieve their college dreams. Andy and Heidi’s lives prove that everyone can be great. You don’t have to have a college degree, you don’t have to drive a fancy car, you don’t even have to make a lot of money—you only need a heart full of compassion, a smile and a helping hand every once in a while.
Live your best life.
