Our Why

We've seen firsthand how playing sports at SLC can change lives. Mentorship and coaching shaped who we became — a lesson our parents and grandparents taught us not just through words, but through the way they lived: leading by example in sports and in service.

We believe in the power of community to lift up student athletes. At SLC, the relationships between students and teachers, coaches and athletes have always set this school apart — a place that wraps itself around its young people and helps them grow.

That's our why: appreciation for what sports gave us, leadership passed down through generations, and a community that shows up for its athletes.

Impact
A man in a suit holding a large replica hockey trophy with both hands while standing next to street signs that read 'BRASHER FALLS' and 'TOWN OF BRASHER.' The scene is outdoors along a sidewalk with trees and parked cars in the background during sunset.
A black and white photo of a young couple standing outdoors on a sidewalk, with leafless trees and houses in the background. The woman is wearing a dark dress with a large bow at the neckline and heels, while the man is dressed in a dark suit with a shirt and tie. They are standing close, smiling at the camera.

Rooted in Family

In honor of their parents' lifelong connection to St. Lawrence Central and their commitment to athletics and community service, the Lalonde Family Initiative was founded in 2022 by the grandchildren of Omer and Yvonne Lalonde.

We believe that sports build connection — between individuals, education, and community. Athletics teaches discipline, perseverance, teamwork, and leadership that last a lifetime.

Over the past four years, we have helped SLC students access better equipment and more opportunities to play, while also supporting community recreation initiatives throughout the Tri-Town area. We fund college scholarships for student athletes who are outstanding citizens and reflect these values.

Our goal: encourage sports participation, and expand access to athletics across the broader North Country community.

Donate

Board of Directors

A bald man in a navy blue suit with a white dress shirt and a red and white striped tie, standing against a gray background.

Karen Lalonde Ice

Karen Lalonde Ice retired in 2022 after a 25+ year career in pharmaceutical development and clinical research, including 11 years as founder and executive of an ophthalmology-focused contract research organization. She is Co-founder and Chairperson of the Lalonde Family Initiative. A St. Lawrence Central graduate raised in Winthrop, N.Y., Karen is passionate about reconnecting with her North Country roots, where much of her family still lives. She enjoys running, adventure racing, triathlon, travel, and outdoor activities with her husband, three kids, two dogs, and three horses.

Chairperson

Derek Lalonde

Derek Lalonde grew up in Brasher Falls, N.Y., before going on to a career in coaching professional hockey. He currently serves as associate head coach of the Montreal Canadiens, following a career that includes serving as head coach of the Detroit Red Wings, assistant coaching stints with the Toronto Maple Leafs and Tampa Bay Lightning, as well as at the AHL, ECHL, and college levels. Along the way, he has won two Stanley Cups and earned ECHL Coach of the Year honors.

Vice Chairperson
A smiling woman with short, curly red hair taking a selfie outdoors under a leafy tree. She is wearing a dark green sleeveless top with ruffled shoulders, seated at a black outdoor table with a metal bucket and some condiments in the background. 
Secretary

Darren Wilson

Darren retired in 2023 as Director of Operations after a 33-year career in natural gas distribution, holding supervisory and managerial roles in gas measurement, pressure regulation, and system integrity. He holds certifications in cathodic protection and pipeline coatings and earned engineering degrees from SUNY Canton and Clarkson University. Darren enjoys motorcycling, golfing, hockey, and restoring his '65 Mustang, and lives in Northern NY with his wife and two daughters.

Headshot of a smiling middle-aged man in a suit outdoors with blurred green trees in the background.

Chad Tessier

Board Member

A 1989 graduate of St. Lawrence Central and a three-sport athlete in football, basketball, and lacrosse, Chad currently serves as Interim Vice President for Advancement at Ithaca College, following a career in advancement at St. Lawrence University and Colby College. A former Saints lacrosse player, Chad holds a B.A. from SLU, a Master of Science in Teaching from SUNY Potsdam, and a Master's and C.A.S. in Educational Administration from St. Lawrence University.

A basketball coach wearing glasses and a red shirt with a basketball logo, speaking to two young basketball players in dark jerseys with red numbers, in a gym setting.

Joey Reome

Treasurer

Joseph Reome, a lifelong resident of Brasher Falls, N.Y., has coached St. Lawrence Central Boys Basketball for over 30 years, earning 4 Sectional Championships and multiple Coach of the Year honors. He also founded Brasher Falls Youth Basketball and has served as SLC's Athletic Director since 2015. Joey remains deeply active in North Country sports and community organizations.

Portrait of a smiling man in a blue suit and brown tie, outside with green foliage in the background.

Michael Mahoney

Board Member

Mike Mahoney enters his 30th season as Head Men's Lacrosse Coach at St. Lawrence University, his alma mater, as the winningest coach in program history. A 1989 graduate of St. Lawrence Central and a multi-sport high school All-American, Mahoney has earned national and conference Coach of the Year honors and led the Saints to numerous NCAA Tournament appearances. He and his wife, Pam, have three sons who have all played lacrosse at St. Lawrence.

Michelle Lalonde

Michelle has had a lifelong love of sports, starting with Little League baseball at a time when there were no girls' sports available. In high school, she played four years of varsity softball and continued playing into adulthood, including co-ed softball in Canada with her husband, Steve. She has spent over 30 years at NuMED Inc., a medical device company focused on pediatric heart catheters. In her free time, Michelle enjoys attending local high school sporting events and is working toward visiting all MLB stadiums. She is proud of the LFI mission and the community it serves.

Board Member