Kathryn Bryant ’12: Helping the Next Generation Discover Themselves

HELPING THE NEXT GENERATION DISCOVER THEMSELVES

A Young Alum Gives Back

"GPS CONTINUES TO HAVE SUCH A BIG IMPACT ON MY LIFE... GPS OFFERS OPPORTUNITIES BEYOND A TRADITIONAL EDUCATION— ART CLASSES, VOLUNTEERING, WINTERIM— THAT’S NOT TYPICAL. I WANT TO ENSURE OTHER GIRLS CAN HAVE THOSE SAME OPPORTUNITIES FOR YEARS TO COME."

Kathryn Bryant ’12 recalls her daily round-trip commute to GPS from her home in Dalton, Georgia, first on the bus and then driving herself later in high school. It was where her commitment to her education began— and a journey to a place where she felt fully nurtured and compelled to grow. “I never once complained about the drive— I loved GPS so much, and they really prepared me to do whatever I wanted,” Bryant says. “GPS teachers and staff do an incredible job of encouraging everyone, regardless of their academic endeavors or activities. There is no cookiecutter approach. They encouraged me to be myself.” After graduating from GPS, Bryant found her next home at the University of Georgia, where she graduated cum laude with a degree in finance. She worked in investment banking in Atlanta before transitioning to her current job as a financial analyst for Neiman Marcus in Dallas, Texas. Her ability to interpret, plan, and predict the group’s financial future, even in this year’s current economic turmoil, inspires her at work. “I’m able to help every single one of our stores with our planning and forecasting,” Bryant says. In a similar way, Bryant supports causes she cares about, including GPS, so that she can continue a legacy of education. A REASON TO GIVE Bryant has made her first contribution to the GPS Impact Fund, a fund that provides flexible discretionary resources that have a significant impact on the school’s ability to provide an incredible educational experience to all students.

KATHRYN BRYANT ’12

Bryant with her cheer crew; front row, fourth from left.

“GPS continues to have such a big impact on my life, and I want to ensure that others can have the same experience I did,” Bryant says. “GPS offers opportunities beyond a traditional education—art classes, volunteering, Winterim—that’s not typical. I want to ensure other girls can have those same opportunities

for years to come.” Bryant has been able to see the impact of giving back firsthand. Her donation was inspired by the sudden passing of her friends’ and fellow GPS classmates’ mother. In lieu of flowers, their family had asked for contributions to local area organizations their mother was involved in. She immediately thought of GPS, a place they all had in common, as one the institutions she wanted to support.

“I think, and most of my classmates would agree, that GPS helped form me into the person who I am today,” Bryant says. “Even a small gift can help create the same educational experience for someone else who is younger than you, and

for generations to come.” She applauds the supportive environment GPS provided, not only while she was in school but also through the college application experience and beyond.

“The GPS community was so supportive and encouraging after graduation,” Bryant says. “The traditions and values helped define my experience and memories from GPS. The experiences I had there, and the time I had to connect with my peers, are really special.”