Answering the Call

Aloha Island School ‘Ohana,

What a week it has been! I am still feeling the “Go-go” spirit from the inspiring Gala on Saturday night!

How was it inspiring you ask? Well, the philanthropic generosity in the room that night was inspiring. As you’ll read below, we raised more than we ever have during the Financial Aid Call. So many individuals, some with long ties to Island School and others just learning about us that night, were inspired to Answer the Call. I was so glad that the video, made possible through the support and connections of Lyndsey Haraguchi-Nakayama (MS and HS parent), moved so many hearts that night. If you didn’t get a chance to see the video, please consider taking a few minutes to watch it here, and if you too are moved to Answer the Call with me and so many others, in whatever amount is meaningful to you, we would be so grateful for you to give a gift towards financial aid on behalf of our student community.

A particularly moving part of the evening was when Hannah Lerman (elementary and high school parent), in honor of her father, generously offered a gift of $20,000 if as a community we could match it with gifts at the level of $500 or less during the Financial Aid Call of the Live Auction. And we did it! And then when we met the Call for Financial Aid goal of $175,000, another donor offered a gift to the endowment of $50,000 for financial aid! The fireworks that went off at that moment matched the feeling in my heart. I knew together we were going to positively impact so many Kaua'i youth. 

And it wasn’t just the financial generosity that was inspiring, it was also the friendship and camaraderie in the room that night between colleagues, families, parents and teachers, long-time friendships, new connections, and more. I loved seeing all that appreciation and care for the people in our lives. There was also a palpable spirit of “get-the-job-done” from the volunteers who came to work on the set-up on Friday and Saturday before the event as well as the breakdown crew at the end of the event. People worked hours, some volunteering their time because that’s how they could contribute to this financial aid effort and others giving their time in addition to financial support…we all worked alongside each other for this shared cause. We Answered the Call to help and make the event happen Saturday night.

And finally for weeks before the event, volunteers Answered the Call for the event planning, graphic design, as well as the live and silent auctions and volunteer coordination. We are so lucky that the dynamic duo of Kathy Richardson (past parent and Board chair) and Laura Ryan (past parent and Board member) Answered the Call 35 years ago, for every year since, and this final time to be the auction co-chairs. Their dedication has led to so many incredible events over the years. And for this year, they helped us knock the Call for Financial Aid out of the park!

Finally, I would be remiss to not thank the Island School team who, on top of their “day jobs” last week as teachers, administrators, and more, took on the roles of event planners, auctions planners, lei makers, ceremony openers, auction bell ringers, cashiers, welcoming committee, and so much more! The Development Team of Suzy May, Megan Clifton, Genevieve Foster, and Alaina Mandel in particular were shining lights that night alongside the tireless efforts of Alice Pajela and Sean Magoun. The faculty and staff are the heart and soul of the school alongside our students, and Saturday night the Island School team was the fuel that made the engine roll.

We have such important work to do as a community, and every day I see how we are making our way forward together – in the name of something bigger than any of us individually. When we take on the mission of the school…Educating the mind; inspiring the heart. Preparing Kaua‘i youth to lead lives of significance…we are Answering the Call. Mahalo nui loa for Answering the Call with me every day.

 

As always, please know how much gratitude I have for your belief in Island School and for entrusting us with these important years of your child’s education. 

Together,

Nancy Nagramada

Head of School