Pictured (left to right): Onvo District Manager Tomas Castillo, MMI Head of School Theresa Long, and Science Department Chair Michael Mele stand with the anatomical models made possible by the ExxonMobil Educational Alliance Grant.
Head of School Mrs. Theresa Long announced that MMI Preparatory School recently received a $500 Exxon Mobil Educational Alliance Grant from Onvo. The School combined the grant funds with a donation from the McGraw Family, made in memory of Dr. Thomas McGraw ’52, and purchased seven new anatomical models for the biology lab. The models purchased included: a life-size torso with removable organs and an open back; a human knee joint with functional ligaments; a human brain; a human eye; a human heart; a human ear; and a human kidney with an adrenal gland.
Mrs. Long commented, “We are incredibly grateful to Onvo for their continued support of MMI through the ExxonMobil Educational Alliance Grant. For more than 12 years, their generosity—totaling over $8,000—has helped enhance our math and science programs, providing our students with valuable resources to support hands-on learning.”
She added, “The McGraw Family has been equally committed to our science program and has helped facilitate the purchase of a number of pieces of equipment for our lab. Partnerships like these allow us to continue offering a top-tier education in STEM, and we deeply appreciate the commitment to our students.”
Mr. Michael Mele, Associate Dean and Science Department Chair, said, “These anatomical models will provide our students with a more interactive and detailed understanding of human biology. Being able to examine and manipulate these models in the classroom helps reinforce complex anatomical concepts in ways that textbooks alone cannot. This addition will provide students with a more immersive learning experience and we are grateful.”
Harman Aulakh, Vice President of Marketing at Onvo, said, “At Onvo, we believe that investing in STEM education helps build a stronger future for our communities. We are proud to continue our partnership with MMI and to support their efforts in providing students with hands-on learning experiences that inspire curiosity and innovation. It’s an honor to help provide resources that enhance science education and empower the next generation of learners.”
Founded in 1988, Onvo—formerly known as Liberty—is a family business with its roots in Northeast Pennsylvania. The Onvo story began over 35 years ago with the development of the first truck stop in Tunkhannock, PA. Since then, the Onvo team has built a network of travel plazas, convenience stores, and restaurants dedicated to serving their travelers. As of 2025, the Onvo family of businesses includes 40 travel plazas and gas stations, 24 quick-service and full-service restaurants, petroleum distribution, and six hotels in Pennsylvania and Upstate New York.
ExxonMobil is fueling young minds through the Educational Alliance. Over $40 million has been committed since the program’s inception, which funds math and science programs at schools. It’s a part of their ongoing effort to support science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education within the communities they serve.