CAMDEN – The Community School has received a $5,000 endowment to create the Next Step Fund for school graduates who want to further their education.

The Next Step Fund will augment the Outreach Program the school already offers to former students by providing them with assistance with a variety of educational costs.

Levi Walton of South Thomaston made a donation to the fund in honor of Bill Panton, a man who had a profound impact on Walton’s life.

Walton attended college in Pennsylvania with Panton’s son, Steven. Walton moved to Maine in 1972 and helped the family build a house in exchange for room and board. Over the years, Walton said, Panton became a mentor to him.

Panton had played an integral role at the Community School during its early years.

Walton, a ranger at Camden Hills State Park as well as the proprietor of a firewood business, said he has made donations throughout his life, but that this is the largest by far. He believes that a large donation to one organization can make more of an impact than making several small ones to various groups.

Students who meet the school’s criteria for graduation earn an approved high school diploma.

Visit the school’s Web site at www.thecommunityschool.org.