Alumni Association A Message from Kristin Keller

Dear Alumni,

First I wanted to start out with a big “thank you” to all the staff, teachers, and administrators at Community School. They have done an above-and-beyond job of navigating the Covid-19 pandemic and keeping our children safe, both emotionally and physically. The teachers and staff at Community School weathered the storm beautifully. Add it to the long list of ways that Community School excels in promoting child well-being. Head of School Bob Cooke said that he wanted the kids to have even some positive memories from attending elementary school during a pandemic and I truly believe that goal was met. Our children learned that there is more to school than just learning; it is about being a respectful member of a team with obligations to one another and roles to play in keeping one another safe. What a beautiful lesson for our children to learn.

That being said, I am thrilled to report that the 2022-2023 school year is off to a strong start and is feeling quite “normal.” We have all been anxiously awaiting the time when the children could gather for assemblies again, parents could freely attend school functions, and we could freely have alumni gatherings back on campus. We started off the school year with Goldy Day, a school-wide picnic with games, snow cones, and our beloved mascot, Goldy, parading around the school. This was the first Goldy Day in which alumni with school-aged children were also invited to attend. Goldy Day is a very fun event so we hope that in the coming years, alumni will feel welcome to attend that event with their young children to reconnect at Community School.

Additionally, we hosted a Community School Alumni Breakfast in early October. This was our first alumni breakfast, but it was an excellent event and one we hope to make an annual tradition for years to come. We had many in attendance from the Community School Class of 1964. They were a very fun bunch and I am really impressed with how well this group has managed to stay connected since they graduated from Community. I am hopeful that each class of new graduates from Community School will be inspired to stay together as well as this special group of friends. The friendships we make when we are young are so pure and authentic; it is a genuine connection that we should all treasure and hold tight to. I am so proud of the Class of 1964 for honoring one another all these years.

The star of the morning, though, was retired and beloved teacher, Mrs. Maxine Blaine. Our current SK class made her a book of drawings and thank you notes and current SK teacher Mark Yu presented it to her. At the age of 101, she is living proof that hanging out with a bunch of 5 year olds for decades really does keep a person young. It was an honor and a pleasure to have her back on campus.

Please join us on January 12 at 6:00 p.m. for an Alumni Social. We will be honoring the recipients of the William H. Danforth Distinguished Alumni Award during the day at an all-school assembly. The evening Alumni Social will be a great opportunity to reunite with old friends, hear about what’s new and exciting at Community, and learn about ways to continue your connection with us. This is a wine and cheese event (21 and over) and will take place on campus. You can email Kathleen Kelly at kkelly@ communityschool.com for more information.

Sincerely,

Kristin Keller | Alumni Association President

William H. Danforth Distinguished Alumni Award

For over 100 years, Community School has nurtured innovators and leaders across a variety of fields and disciplines. Community School established the William H. Danforth Distinguished Alumni Award in 2018 to recognize those who have carried forward the mission of Community School as leaders in their community and profession, and who have shown appreciation and respect of the world.

Community School believes that the true measure of a school’s greatness can be found in the achievements of its alumni. This honor illustrates the profound connection between one’s formative years at Community School and one’s pursuit of excellence over the course of a lifetime.

Criteria

• The award is presented to a Community School alumnus or alumna who carries forward the mission of Community School as a leader in their community and profession, and who has shown appreciation and respect of the world.

• Nominees must have graduated from Community School.

• Current trustees and faculty/staff may not be considered for the award.

Nominations

• Nominations may be made by anyone except the nominee.

• Submit nominations by email by contacting the Director of Advancement, Kathleen Kelly, kkelly@communityschool.com or on the Community School website under the Alumni tab at www.communityschool.com.

Selection Process

Nominations are solicited and collected throughout the year. The Distinguished Alumni Award Selection Committee is an anonymous committee appointed by the Advancement Office. The award recipient and nominators will be notified by the Head of School or Director of Advancement upon selection, and the recipient will be recognized at an assembly during the school year.

Previous Winners

Dr. William H. Danforth ’38

John Dubinsky ’55

Carol McCarthy Duhme ’29

Founding Mothers

John Hartford ’50

Patricia Gamble Hecker ’34

Robert Hermann ’34

2023 Honorees

Charlie Felker ’96

Carol Fleming Marks ’73

Darcy Prather ’81

Judy Lorenz Tisdale ’52

Community School’s

HEAD OF SCHOOL AND ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

CORDIALLY INVITE YOU TO ATTEND THE THURSDAY | JANUARY 12, 2023

Program of Events

7:45 A.M. MORNING COFFEE WITH HEAD OF SCHOOL, BOB COOKE

8:15 A.M. PRESENTATION

8:50 A.M. BREAKFAST

PLEASE RSVP BY DECEMBER 15, 2022

ADVANCEMENT@COMMUNITYSCHOOL.COM OR (314) 991-0005