Special Funds

Graland is grateful to donors who have established special, designated funds for the school over time. These funds further the school’s mission through a variety of ways in concert with the donors’ intention and purpose. These funds are active in their support of Graland; contributions may be made to all of the below funds at any time.

Nancy Nye Priest Memorial Fund

Donations to the Nancy Nye Priest Memorial Fund are designated for financial assistance to deserving students whose families cannot afford full tuition.

Christine Anneberg ’97 Rye ’91 and Catherine Wilhelm ’90

Austin Mitchell Benedict III and Patsy

Benedict Ken and Keri Blair Mimi Chenoweth Robert Fuller II and Virginia Fuller Valerie Gates ’69 Liza Grant ’79 Phil Hickey A. Barry and Arlene Hirschfeld Barry Hirschfeld, Jr. ’86 Hayden ’91 and Elana Hirschfeld Chas Jones and

Jill Cowperthwaite ’69 Herb and Darlene Kress Nancy Lamb ’66 Lanny and Sharon Martin J. Landis & Sharon Martin Family

Foundation Tony ’77 and Delisa Mayer Michael and Danielle McSweeney Rosemarie Murane Nancy Parker Stirling Puck ’62 Anthony Sanchez ’77 Ann Skartvedt ’77 Andrew and

Sarah Martin ’95 Stettner Sean True ’69 Bill ’76 and Sally Vincent Joe and Kristin Eklund ’88 Weber Parthenia Williams John Wright ’65

Diversity, Equity & Inclusivity Fund

Established in 2018 by Drs. Roger and Suzanne Barkin, the fund is designated to advance strategic diversity, equity, and inclusivity initiatives at the school including, but not limited to: professional development, faculty and staff recruitment, and the creation and execution of Community Day.

Drs. Suzanne and Roger Barkin

Bradley Thomas Memorial Fund

Established in 1992 by Don and Marcia Thomas, the Bradley Thomas Memorial Fund was created as a tribute to their late son, Brad ’72. Donations to the fund help offset the cost of drug and alcohol prevention education provided annually to Middle School students.

The Romero Scholarship Fund

The Romero Scholarship Fund was introduced to recognize and honor Coach Robert Romero ’69 upon his retirement after 39 years of teaching and coaching at Graland. Once the goal is realized, this endowed fund will offer financial assistance in perpetuity to deserving students whose families cannot afford full tuition.

Phil Hickey

Graland’s Archives & Heritage Project

Graland’s Archives and Heritage Project has digitized many historic photos, documents, and yearbooks to date, however additional funding is needed to assure all archival materials can be properly preserved, stored, and shared with the school community.

Jim Arneill IV ’66 and

Tudi Arneill Phil Hickey Ed ’78 and Sarah Murane David Miller and Katherine ’67 Dines Phil Hickey David Thomas ’74 and Kathryn Lester Don and Marcia Thomas

If you are interested in contributing to one of these special funds, or establishing your own, contact Jessica Goski, Director of Development at jgoski@graland.org or 303-336-3705.

Samantha Loewi Scholarship Fund

Begun in 2012, the fund was established as a tribute to Sammy Loewi ’05 who passed away at an early age due to complications of congenital muscular dystrophy. It was initiated to enhance training for students, teachers, and parents with regard to diversity and inclusivity efforts, and to assist students with diverse needs. Over time, the Fund has evolved, likewise supporting the Sam Loewi Unified Neighborhood Games, the culminating service learning event for Grade 4 students who spend their year building relationships with special buddies and learning kindness and respect for children who are physically and mentally different.

Felix and Wendy Demartini Nate Fotheringham Cole Hamilton ’06 Phil Hickey Cyril Isaac Kevin Isaac Mimi McMann Di Nestel

“I just want people to see me. Just like I see them.”

-Sam Loewi ’05

Honoring Sammy Loewi’s Legacy

by Di Nestel, Former Graland Faculty and Administrator

Sammy Loewi ’05 was a student of mine and someone I loved and admired quite deeply. I first met Sam when she, along with her parents Andy and Pat, visited Graland prior to her kindergarten year. Little did I know just what an inspiration she would be, for teachers and classmates alike.

I remember one day she said to me “I just want people to see me – not the wheelchair, not the disease, not the clothes or shoes I wear, not what I can’t do. Just see me for who I am inside. Just like I see them.” That’s what the Sam Loewi Games are all about - really seeing one another and understanding that it’s what inside that counts. Sam’s legacy at Graland lives on through all those who have participated in the Sam Loewi Games. She inspired Graland to be a better school and all of us to realize our better selves. She left this earth way too soon but not without also leaving a legacy at Graland of the Sam Loewi Games and the Sam Loewi Fund. It’s a pleasure to donate to Graland, my home for nearly three decades. The Sam Loewi Fund allows me to give in Sam’s memory. Watching Sam navigate her challenges and grow into a confident young lady taught me a lot about compassion, humility, and perseverance. She inspired me and so many others to be our better selves. For that, I am so grateful and feel so blessed to support Graland and honor Sam by donating to the Sam Loewi Fund.

Prekindergarten students celebrated the Chinese New Year by showcasing their homemade dragon on campus! The students learned in class that in Chinese culture, the dragon represents good luck, strength, and health.