A foundation named for a former MHS band student has donated $5,000 to the school music program.

Christina Hopkins presented the check on Feb. 27 to MHS Band Directors Andy Sturgeon and Jerry Shelato on behalf of the Brandon Michael Lee Foundation. Her late son Brandon graduated from MHS in 2013 and was a band student during his time at Mundelein High School.

“I truly believe your program played a significant role in nurturing his love for the arts, particularly music,” Hopkins wrote in an email to the school. 

“This foundation is dedicated to keeping the arts alive and accessible for all children,” Hopkins wrote. “Our foundation is committed to filling that gap (financially) by providing support for music education, including instruments, private lessons, and classroom needs."

After high school, Brandon's passion for music continued to grow and eventually led him to Philadelphia, where he pursued his dreams even further. He passed away in 2024 at the age of 29. After his passing, the Brandon Michael Lee Foundation was created “to continue the legacy he left behind — a legacy of creativity, generosity, and joy.”

Caption: Members of the Brandon Michael Lee Foundation present a check to MHS Band Directors Andy Sturgeon and Jerry Shelato on Feb. 27.