Archive Spotlight: The Twenty Year Anniversary of a Special Senior Gift
Story by Sasha High
Before Winter Break, I was going through an old Annual Fund report from 2004 and found a wonderful story written by Kathy Perretta, parent to C.J. Perretta '04 and Ann Perretta '06, about the Class of 2004 Senior Gift. We hope you will enjoy this story from our recent past, which exemplifies the exciting and lasting legacy these gifts provide.
"I have the privilege of reporting to you on the Senior Gift which is a collective contribution from the families of the graduating class to the School. I'm pleased to say that we are a most generous class! We raised nearly $127,000 - the largest senior gift ever!
I think I speak for all parents in saying how incredibly proud we are of our graduating seniors, To see the 61 unique talented young adults who comprise the Class of 2004, and witness who they have become while attending this School, leaves us in awe . . . and although we parents would like to take all the credit for this . . . we can't. This School has done more than we ever hoped to educate our children - academically, emotionally, and spiritually. It's been a wonderful journey. The Class of 2004 Senior Gift is our way of thanking Friends Seminary.
When a group of parents met last fall to decide on the possibilities of what the gift should be we had several long discussions. They were like many meetings l've attended at Friends - a little heated but always respectful. One thing, however, quickly became apparent. We all wanted our children to be part of the decision making process - after all, the gift is in their name.
In the end they - and we - decided on a gift in three parts:
The first part is The Class of 2004 Scholarship - designated for unrestricted financial aid. The funds we raised provide a substantial base in endowment funds that will hopefully grow over the years to be a fully endowed scholarship to provide full financial aid for one child in perpetuity. The second part of the gift consists of improvements to the inner Courtyard - many of which have already begun.
Finally, $15,000 was given to the Annual Fund.
I think the gift truly shows their generous spirit and their love of Friends. These students choose a gift that contributes the most to their community . . . so that others can share and experience what they have.
So many wonderful parents volunteered to work on the Senior Fund Committee and make the important calls - I'd like to thank them, and on behalf of them I'd like to thank all of you for your incredible generosity.
- Kathy Perretta (C.J. Perretta '04, Ann Perretta '06)"
The Class of 2004 Scholarship Fund was established with an $80,000 gift to the Endowment. In the past 20 years, it has contributed to the financial aid budget increasing from $2.12 million to $6.1 million in the 2022-2023 school year. The fund currently stands at $100,200. We are so grateful for the generosity of the Class of 2004 and their families for making this fund possible. As we enter the 20th anniversary of this gift, we welcome the Class to contribute to its continued legacy. You can make a gift here.