Members of the class of 2020 came together around friendship and fundraising at the annual Senior Fund Drive event on November 14. Classmates gathered in the Black Canteen, where they feasted on pizza and spent quality time with their friends, all while learning about the importance of philanthropy at Blair Academy.

Seniors and their parents have embarked on a shared fundraising endeavor this year, setting their sights on funding the Class of 2020 Scholarship. “Scholarship aid is a critical need at Blair, as it helps bring deserving students to the School who otherwise would not be able to attend,” said Susan Long, assistant director of advancement for parent relations. “The Class of 2020 Scholarship will help future students attain the same gift of a Blair education that our seniors enjoy, and it will help keep seniors connected to their alma mater long after they graduate.”

Advancement Student Ambassadors Kathleen Devlin ’20, Kate Gerdsen ’20, Cameron Grant ’20 and Olivia Scialla ’20; Senior Class Council members Corey Downey ’20, Ari Cobb ’20, Alex Kirby ’20 and Robbie Donnelly ’20; and Associate Director of Admission Leucretia Shaw each spoke about Blair’s strong culture of giving and the importance of giving back to the school that has given students their start. The speakers’ words resonated with seniors, 76 of whom made contributions or pledges to the class gift during the event, totaling $1,268.75 and representing 56 percent of the class. 

Several senior parents have also made gifts to the Class of 2020 Scholarship already, with fundraising sparked by two challenge gifts. Worthing and Katrina Jackman P’20 have offered to match every gift made to the scholarship dollar-for-dollar, up to $5,000, for a total of $100,000. In addition, an anonymous parent will contribute $25,000 if senior giving reaches 100 percent and another $25,000 if senior parent participation reaches 90 percent.

Seniors will present their class gift to the School during the Class of 2020 Assembly on May 20.