Granting Gables

Friends of Gables High supports the school by raising funds and fostering alumni to student relationships

BY NATHALIE SCHWART, STAFF WRITER

GIVING BACK TO THE community can impact all kinds of people. This is especially true when the work an organization contributes to a school and helps afford school inrastructure improvements and opportunities for students. Friends of Gables High is a small group of committed alumni, parents and volunteers dedicated to making Gables better for the students, faculty and community. Through their continuous support, the school is home to an array of innovative and impactful programs.

FOGH works to create a harmonious school environment. The organization supports Gables through fundraising from various events and functions that they host at individuals’ homes and through commercial establishments. The opportunities that FOGH has given to students and faculty are innumerable, such as the funding they provide student groups like wrestling, soccer, FBLA and highlights through grants of up to $2,000 to assist their activities.

“Friends of Gables has granted me every grant that I’ve ever asked for. Usually it’s to help a program here in school or to help send kids to in-state and out of state college tours. They’ve also given us grants to help send the CAP advisor to some training,” Student Activities Director Ana Suarez said.

One of the biggest impacts that FOGH has made on the school was their push to ensure that the 6000 building could get the renovations that it needed to ensure a modern and comfortable learning environment for everyone. They did this by advocating for a completely new building and lobbying former MDCPS Superintendent Alberto Carvalho. They also funded a new golf cart for the athletic department.

FOGH works hard to create a lasting impact on the school and the students, which is inspired by the pride they have for Gables and the impact made on them since most of the board members and volunteers are Gables alumni. They want to keep the Cavalier legacy alive for years to come in honor of their own experience.

“After graduating, I knew my journey at Gables was far from over. I credit a lot of my growth as an individual to what I learned as a student, therefore I knew I wanted to give back in some way,” alumna and FOGH Social Media Director Natalie Abrahantes said.

Although there are many alumni on the board, Chairman Tom Parker is not one of them. Instead, he is a proud Gables parent. Parker believes that Gables is a very special place with a dedicated staff and a diverse group of students.

“Kids at the school need to know that their community cares about them. The financial support is vital to a fully enriching experience,” Parker said.

One of FOGH’s most popular and impactful events is the Hall of Fame induction ceremony, where

GeorgiaRau/highlights graduates who have excelled in their chosen fields and continued the Gables legacy by giving back to their communities are inducted into the Gables Hall of Fame. h

People feel inspired when they see someone who used to be in their shoes successful and happy, because it represents what current students can achieve. This feeling of pride goes both ways, as the alumni feel a sense of giving back in their efforts to help others.

In addition to direct support, FOGH also fosters lasting connections to Gables. For example, Hall of Fame inductee and Gables alumnus Ron Yacoub offers some students internships at his practice, Pinecrest Physical Therapy. Furthermore, when in need of more volunteers, alumni look to students for help, beginning a strong and integral association between FOGH and the students it supports.

The dedication and hardwork that FOGH demonstrates is seen across all aspects of Gables. Recieiving funds for everything from school facilities to extracurriculars, Gables is stronger because of its friends.

Contributions to Gables

Helped raise the construction budget at Gables to $30 million.

Source: Friends of Gables High

Georgia Rau/highlights

Added new picnic tables, clean pavers, and improved landscaping in a student eating area.

Source: Friends of Gables High

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