Highlights A MAGAZINE FOR ALUMNAE, PARENTS AND FRIENDS OF LAUREL SCHOOL
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FALL 2023 | Upper School Grant Opportunities • Family Spotlight • Campaign Announcement • 2022-2023 Annual Report
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Laurel girls today. Leaders tomorrow.
Highlights | FALL 2023
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IN THIS ISSUE A Message of Gratitude from the Head of School . . . . . . . . . . . 4 A Message from The Board of Trustees Chair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 2023-2024 New Board Members . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Upper School Grant Opportunities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Student Scholarships . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Family Spotlight— The Coopers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Laurel Is Where She Begins Capital Campaign . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 Graduate Spotlights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 Donor Spotlight — Sally Reddig Schulze ‘56 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 Ohio Tax Credit Scholarship Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 A Message from The Director of Development . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 2022-2023 Annual Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
2022-2023 ANNUAL REPORT
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MISSION STATEMENT
To inspire each girl to fulfill her promise and to better the world. Highlights | ANNUAL REPORT 2022-23 HEAD OF SCHOOL Ann V. Klotz DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT Maegan Ruhlman Cross ’03 CAMPAIGN DIRECTOR Jessica Allen EDITOR Sarah Hibshman Miller ’98 ALUMNAE EDITOR Julie Donahue ’79 DESIGN AND LAYOUT Laurel School PHOTOGRAPHY Kimberly Dailey, Neal McDaniel, Mock Tuna PRESIDENT, ALUMNAE ASSOCIATION Maia Hunt-Ledford Rucker ’97 CHAIR, BOARD OF TRUSTEES Megan Lum Mehalko ’83 Highlights is published by Laurel School for alumnae, parents and friends. Submit address changes to the Development Office at 216.455.3096 or bGreen@LaurelSchool.org Laurel School is an independent day school for girls, Kindergarten through Grade 12, with coeducational programs for 18 months–four-yearolds. We are proud to be an inclusive and equitable school community, and we actively seek a diverse student body and faculty without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, handicap or disability or sexual orientation. LAUREL VALUES STATEMENT: Committed to building a just and inclusive world, Laurel girls are courageous, creative, ethical and compassionate. LAURELSCHOOL.ORG 2
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Dream. Dare. Do. 2022-2023 ANNUAL REPORT
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ANNUAL REPORT
A MESSAGE OF GRATITUDE FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL Dear Laurel Alumnae, Parents, and Friends: In this special issue of Highlights, we are proud to share with you the impact your support has had on our extraordinary students and community this year. Laurel School's mission to inspire each girl to fulfill her promise and to better the world has been made possible through your gifts this year. Charitable Donations are instrumental in advancing our mission and enabling us to provide exceptional educational experiences that empower our students to embrace their unique potential. Through your invaluable support, we have elevated our facilities, broadened scholarship opportunities, and enriched our programs to cater to the diverse range of talents and passions our students possess. Your contributions have acted as catalysts for positive transformation, fostering an environment where young women can thrive intellectually, socially, and personally. Additionally, your generosity supported our world-class faculty, who are truly the heartbeat of our school. Your belief in Laurel School's mission is not just a financial contribution; it's an investment in the future. This Annual Report encapsulates the remarkable journey that Laurel has undertaken over the past year. As you peruse these pages, you'll encounter stories of achievement, innovation, and growth, all of which have been made possible through your unwavering generosity. It is because of supporters like you that we continue to thrive as an institution dedicated to cultivating strong, empowered, and compassionate women leaders. As we move forward into a new year of promise and potential, I extend my deepest gratitude for your ongoing support. Your partnership is invaluable, and together, we are shaping a world where young women can raise their voices high as leaders. With much gratitude,
Ann V. Klotz Head of School
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2022-2023 ANNUAL REPORT
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MEGAN LUM MEHALKO '83
A LETTER FROM THE CHAIR OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES For 128 years, Laurel School has been a beacon of education and empowerment for young women. Our commitment to academic excellence, personal growth, and leadership development has touched the lives of countless students. We are proud of our legacy, and we are proud to be a school that works to secure a thriving future for the generations of Laurel girls to come. To our incredible supporters, I extend my deepest gratitude. The Laurel Fund and Endowment Gifts provide operational support that is vital to nearly every aspect of school operations. To our “Laurel is Where She Begins” campaign donors—your support is invaluable as we work to create the environments and opportunities necessary for Laurel girls to flourish, academically and personally. Your generosity enables us to realize our goals, from the Ruhlman Family Center on the Butler Campus, a hub for scientific exploration and innovation; to the revitalized Lyman Campus, where tradition and modernity will coexist to inspire learning. Every gift, regardless of its size, plays a crucial role in shaping the future of Laurel School and, by extension, the future of young women who will lead, inspire, and make a difference in our world. Thank you for your continued support, and I look forward to sharing the incredible progress we are achieving together. With warm regards,
Megan Lum Mehalko ' 83 Chair of the Laurel Board of Trustees
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Laurel School Board of Trustees Laurel welcomes our 2023-2024 incoming Board Members
Vince Coley occupation: Vice President of Client Services, AppFolio laurel ties: Daughter Emily ‘30 college/degrees: Allegheny College, BA in Communications “Emily has been part of the Laurel community since Pre-K and this year, she starts Sixth Grade. From listening to her sing about being a 'Laurel Girl’ at holiday concerts to her experiences at the Butler Campus to her amazing teachers supporting her when she fell off her horse and broke her arm in 2022; Laurel School and the staff have always been loving and caring and I’ve seen Emily’s confidence soar over the years. I’m excited to give back to the school in any way I can.”
Mike Conway occupation: President, Beverage Distributors, Inc. laurel ties: Daughters Annie ‘31 and Molly ‘36; son Sean was a Pre-Primary student college/degrees: Georgetown University, BS in Business board and community service: President, Conway Family Foundation; Board member, Greater Cleveland Sports Commission; Cleveland Magazine Cleveland 500 award; Coach, K-2 Laurel Lacrosse team “My wife, Courtney, and I walked through the doors of Laurel six years ago and immediately felt a sense of community that we wanted to be a part of. We have had all three of our kids attend the school and have always been amazed by how kind and nurturing every member of the faculty and staff has been. In respect to the faculty and staff, I am excited to be able to give back and help the community we've become so engaged in.”
Aaron Kamat occupation: President, Creekside Financial Advisors, LLC laurel ties: Daughters Olivia ‘31 and Arianna (Ari) ‘33 college/degrees: Ohio State University, Finance board and community service: Leadership roles in many Jewish nonprofit organizations “Laurel has been a very special place for our girls and family over the last six school years. Our girls have developed intellectually and emotionally as Laurel has given them the maturity and confidence to take on any challenge. The Butler Campus has offered an experiential learning environment which has helped our girls to thrive. I look forward to continuing to strengthen our Laurel community.“ L
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Grant Opportunities Laurel Upper School students have the opportunity to apply for three extraordinary grants each year thanks to endowment awards set up by our generous donors. Emily Pomeranz ‘85 Prize for Public Service Established in 2017, the Emily Pomeranz ’85 Prize for Public Service is made possible through a generous endowment gift initiated by her brother, Will Pomeranz, and supports a Junior who has proposed a public service project for her spring or summer break. The 2023 recipient, Ella Witalec ’25, developed the idea to host a Hackathon to teach area middle school girls how to code. As part of her Capstone Project, Ella’s research indicated a lack of interest and opportunities for females in STEM-related fields, including coding. With funds she earned from the Pomeranz Prize, and as the grand prize winner of The Cleveland Leadership Center’s Teen Accelerate Competition, Ella was able to launch her coding workshop, CodeHERs CLE. The inaugural Hackathon with 31 middle school students— over half of whom do not attend Laurel—was held at Laurel on June 3, 2023. Ella’s goal is to provide support for others to sustain an interest in the field, showing them how computer science serves to solve real-world issues. Ella had a chance to share her CodeHERs CLE work with the Laurel Upper School and friends and family of Emily Pomeranz at the Pomeranz Chapel on September 14, 2023.
Katherine S. B. Mills Grant for the Study of Photography This grant is given each year in loving memory of Katherine “Katie” Mills, a vibrant and talented member of Laurel’s Class of 1997. The grant assists aspiring photography students to attend a summer photography workshop, an experience that nurtured Katie’s own passion for photography.
From left to right: Kathryn Tracanna '24, Ella Witalec '25 and Serene Hameed '25
Serene Hameed ‘25 was selected as this year’s Katherine S.B. Mills Grant recipient. Serene used this opportunity to spend a week this past summer at Savannah College of Art and Design. She chose to study Digital Foundations of Photography and Film and TV; Script to Screen. Serene’s intensive study focused on the basic use of cameras, new photography techniques and collaboration. Serene will continue to hone her photography skills throughout this school year with the culmination being a Laurel art exhibition on March 7, 2024.
Joan D. and John T. Scott Fund The Joan D. and John T. Scott Fund was established in memory of Joan D. Scott (faculty emerita) and John Thomson Scott, Jr., who were the parents of three Laurel girls: Julie Scott Lovell ’74, Katherine Marjorie Scott ’78 and Amy Scott Gilchrist ’81. This fund supports Laurel School students in their study of history, government, or journalism with the hope that such study will engender in their minds a dedication to the ideals of representative democracy. Kathryn Tracanna ‘24, this year’s recipient of the Joan D. and John T. Scott Fund, has used the grant to complete her Capstone Project in economics. Her work, influenced by Keynesian ideas, focuses on government spending on welfare programs and how such spending can be used to increase employment. Kathryn found that welfare programs provide workers more time to find jobs for which they will be more productive. This allows many people to find higher-paying jobs that they will be able to retain. The goal of her project is meant to facilitate discourse and show that welfare should be considered as a mechanism for increasing employment. Earlier this year Kathryn was the only high school student selected to present her research at the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland’s Economic Scholars Program. L
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Student Scholarships Laurel Scholarships foster a community of strong, capable women ready to contribute positively to the world. Your generosity paves the way for young minds to flourish. Harriet Buescher Lawrence '30 Scholarship
Kling/Danforth Scholarship
I cannot thank Laurel enough for providing me with the space and resources that allowed me to explore my passions while furthering my academic goals. Scholarship support helped me learn more about art, environmental science/justice, and animal rights activism. Laurel provided me with the skills and education I need to go far in the world, and I am proud of what I have given back to our Laurel community. —Emi Dallas ‘24
Without the Kling/Danforth scholarship, I wouldn't have had the opportunity to attend Laurel and find my purpose. I am forever grateful for the gift I have received, and I know my Laurel experience will continue to open doors for me. — Faye Moledina ‘25
Anice Wismer Johnson Scholarship Since joining the Laurel community in Ninth Grade, our daughter has thrived in so many aspects of her learning and life and continues to find new avenues of growth. We are thankful for the opportunities that the Anice Wismer Johnson Scholarship has provided for Nicole and excited to see the young woman she is becoming. —Parent Nicole Samala
Hood-Meyerson Scholarship I will be forever grateful for the opportunity to be a part of such a warm and welcoming community. Laurel continues to provide me with the resources and connections crucial to helping me reach my full potential. I will carry my Laurel experience with me beyond these dear walls and will always be thankful to the alumnae who make scholarship support possible for so many outstanding girls. —Esther Ling ‘23
The Gale Scholarship Vail Scholarship I am beyond grateful to have received the Vail Scholarship for my leadership and academic strength which helped me join the Laurel community in Ninth Grade. There is such a positive energy at Laurel among all the students, teachers, and staff that I can’t wait to get to school every day! The teachers engage and challenge me and inspire me to grow and challenge myself. — Brooke Robinson ‘26
Marilyn Klein Brown '65 Scholarship My years at Laurel taught me that I can do anything I set my mind to if I work hard and show determination. Because of Laurel, I know that my voice has the power to enact change in this world. I’m very thankful for this scholarship because it has allowed me to reach my fullest academic potential. — Jazmin Ross ‘25 10
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Throughout my time here at Laurel I’ve not only grown as a student but as a young woman. On top of a great education, I have received a support system that strives to see me succeed. I’m truly thankful for the donors who are the reason students like me are able to receive an amazing education. —Morgan Moore ‘26
Leitch Scholarship The Leitch Scholarship allowed me to attend Laurel where I was taught to be an active leader in school and in my community. Being at Laurel showed me how important it is to be ambitious and curious about the world around me. I was surrounded by staff and faculty who always made me feel challenged yet supported. I am proud to now call myself a Laurel Alumna. —Raelynne Sweet ‘23 L
explore my passions find new avenues of growth
reach my fullest academic potential
be an active leader 2022-2023 ANNUAL REPORT
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Family Spotlight As a proud member of both the Shaker and Laurel communities, Melissa Cooper shares her story and how she found herself dedicating much of her time to the schools.
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an and Melissa Cooper loved Shaker Heights before they even lived here. The quintessential tree-lined streets. The utopian concept of the city itself. The sense of community here. All three of their children started at Laurel’s Early Childhood and progressed to Shaker’s elementary school Mercer. Melissa remembers those early preschool years, “they were everything“—small class sizes, warm guidance, and close proximity. But the memories most fixated in Melissa’s mind are of her middle daughter, Avery’s, experience in the pilot year of Outdoor Pre-Primary (OPP) at Butler. “We didn’t realize it initially but can look back with such gratitude that Avery was able to have the experience of being educated in a yurt in the forest,“ she recounts. “I still think the luster of an outdoor education is lost on many people in this area, not really understanding the great value of this type of education. It wasn’t until Avery was nearly done with her year in OPP that we fully grasped how magnificent it all was. And much credit is due to Laurel for investing in the right teachers and sending them for advanced training to launch the program.” That stuck with them. It was years later that Laurel began to pull them back, metaphorically! “As your children grow and you get to know their style of learning better, change often happens,” she explains. “For us, the offerings at Laurel could not be replicated in any other school in this area.” Laurel always felt like “home.” With it literally being a short walk from their house, the Cooper Family has consistently stayed connected with the school and its grounds. Now in Eighth Grade, their oldest daughter, Bella, transitioned back to Laurel in Fourth Grade and has thrived with each passing year. She is active with sports, volunteer work, endless commitment to academics, and family travel. Her recent endeavors at Laurel include field hockey, softball, and soon, Speech and Debate. Their second daughter, Avery, is in Sixth Grade and returned to Laurel as a Third Grader in Fall 2020. “Mother Nature is guiding this girl back for more,” says Melissa. Another stroke of luck, by way of Laurel’s Butler Campus, yet again presented itself.
With the COVID outbreak in early 2020, Laurel did what no other school in this region was able to do. It shifted Grades 3, 4, and 5 out to the Butler Campus to allow for distancing and sustainable in-person education. Avery was the lucky recipient of three full years at Butler. The Coopers, again, knew Laurel led them back to offerings not found in any other school. Avery has always been an athlete and a high-level thinker. She is a soccer player for Shaker Soccer Association, a skilled dancer in ballet and lyrical, soon to play on Force Volleyball Club Team, and competes in the seasonal Noetic Math Competitions as a Laurel representative. With all that Laurel has given them, Melissa says, “It feels like I’m just fulfilling my portion of this symbiotic relationship. We rely on each other to make it all work. For as much as Laurel is giving by way of my girls’ educations, offerings, and enrichments, my time investment supports the school and shows my appreciation.” After years of room parenting, Melissa joined LSPA’s Executive Board in Fall 2022 as Division Coordinator for Grades 3-5. She currently holds the same position, but for Middle School, Grades 6-8. Melissa also has served a primary role for the Tri-School Social Board, which arranges and hosts events for students from their “sister and brother” schools: Hathaway Brown and University School. “Everything I do is for my children. It truly brings me great pride to be involved with Laurel School and to have the ability for more connection with my children, their teachers, and their peers. It’s all for them,” she remarks. “And truly, it’s fun seeing events through from start to finish, getting creative, and most amazingly, collaborating with my two girls from time to time.” When we asked Melissa what the Laurel community means to her, why she feels it is so important to give back, she said, “It always comes back to Laurel’s vision and the teachers who make you see it, too. That unique sense that Laurel feels like our 'true north’. I can hardly believe that my own children are getting a top-notch education in such an organic way. There is no greater gift than time. I’m honored to give some of mine to Laurel.” L
From left to right: Bella Cooper '28, Melissa Cooper, Avery Cooper '30, Leo Cooper and Dan Cooper
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A CAMPAIGN FOR LAUREL SCHOOL
Laurel is Where She Begins represents the culmination of over a century of progress and evolution at Laurel School. This ambitious campaign seeks to provide Laurel girls with the spaces, opportunities, and support required for their academic and personal growth. OUR CAMPAIGN FOCUSES ON SEVERAL KEY PROJECTS. The Butler Campus, teeming with natural wonders and possibilities, is poised to welcome the Ruhlman Family Center in Summer 2025. This groundbreaking addition will feature science and learning labs, classrooms, an amphitheater, an atrium, and a fully equipped kitchen and dining area to cater to the needs of our ever-expanding campus. Meanwhile, the Lyman Campus, the cherished hub of tradition and the school's heart, is set to undergo a remarkable transformation. State-of-the-art science labs and vibrant spaces will ignite curiosity and engagement. This transformation extends to a substantial renovation of our Middle School classrooms and common areas. Beyond bricks and mortar, our campaign also bolsters the Laurel Fund, strengthens the endowment, and reinforces our commitment to diversity and inclusion. These efforts ensure that Laurel's mission will continue to thrive for generations to come. Laurel is where so many of our journeys commenced, and it is where countless young girls are embarking on their own paths at this very moment. Our Campaign donors’ unwavering support preserves Laurel’s legacy as the premier independent school for girls and propels us toward a future distinguished by excellence and opportunity. L
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OUR CAMPAIGN GOAL
LYMAN CAMPUS
BUTLER CAMPUS
LAUREL ENDOWMENT
$12.5 million
$10 million
$8 million
LAUREL FUND
DIVERSITY & INCLUSION
$6.5 million
$1 million
TOTAL $38 million
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Graduate Spotlights Laurel Alumnae share the importance of supporting the Laurel Fund
Emily Kaiser ‘10 Though in isolation it may sound trite, it is no exaggeration that I credit my Laurel education with my finding my voice. It was shortly before my 12th birthday that I discovered an ad for Laurel’s annual Open House in The Plain Dealer. As the child of a single parent and inner-city school district educator, attending an independent school seemed only a pipe dream. Something about the boldly printed words “Dream. Dare. Do.” initiated my resolve to pursue it anyway. Just my luck that the Open House fell on my actual birthday—no way that my mom could reject my request to attend. From the minute I walked through those prominent wooden front doors, I knew I was home. Every Green Key tour thereafter and even into conversations today, I describe Laurel as “the sweater that perfectly fit.” I came to the school as a steadfast student who did everything in her power to blend in with the paint on the wall. Thanks to the endless support of administration, faculty, staff, classmates, and scholarships, I left with a voice and the courage to seek out platforms to use it. The transformation astounded not only myself but all those who love me. It was in it that I discovered I am capable of confronting any challenge faced so long as I ask questions before forming opinions, seek the advice of communities affected and strong networks formed, and fall on a foundation of compassion, integrity and courage. More powerfully, that by doing so, others are encouraged to do the same (and so the cycle perpetuates). It is the reason that I have since intentionally worked to find, form, and contribute to communities that provide that similar cozy sweater feeling. Needless to say, my gratitude for Laurel is boundless.
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Emily Kaiser '10
Alisa Taylor Cowen ‘72 As a scholarship recipient of Laurel Fund donations, I was able to attend Laurel for Upper School. Laurel’s rigorous education challenged me academically and its small class sizes and caring faculty allowed me to grow in self-confidence and leadership. Skills learned in Mrs. Schenk’s public-speaking class have been pivotal in my professional career and enabled me to support my community by being an advocate for others and for the environment. However, it was for a homework assignment in the Humanities class at Laurel that I researched my dream to become a landscape architect, and subsequently, that career passion led me to Cornell University. For more than 35 years I have been a licensed landscape architect in Virginia. In 2006, I founded AST Cowen Design Group LLC which provides professional secure site design services, for institutional and government clients, in the land development practice areas of civil engineering, sustainable design, landscape architecture and master planning. The quality and breadth of education that I received at Laurel continues to inform the focus of my community involvement in Arlington, Virginia. In addition to raising three children and running the design firm, I am an active volunteer in community tree hugging and an advocate for respecting the environment in local land development and zoning actions. For the past decade I have chaired committees that ultimately succeeded in creating a project-based-learning public high school and now continue to work to establish student internships and partnerships with Arlington’s employers. I am honored to be a member of the Laurel Board of Trustees and to be able to share my skills with the Building and Grounds Committee. The opportunity to attend Laurel was a significant component of transforming that shy Ninth Grader in 1968 into who I am today. L
Alisa Taylor Cowen '72
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Donor Spotlight Sally Reddig Schulze, Ph.D. and Laurel Class of 1956, embodies a fervent dedication to education, volunteerism, and entrepreneurship.
Sally Reddig Schulze ‘56 As steadfast supporters of Laurel School, Sally and her husband, John, recently made a substantial gift to the ”Laurel is Where She Begins” campaign, reflecting their deep commitment to the school and girls education. Sally's passion for learning and teaching took root during her time at Laurel. Following her graduation in 1956, she pursued a Bachelor of Business Administration at Southern Methodist University, a Master of the Art of Teaching at Gannon University, and eventually earned a Ph.D. in educational psychology from Case Western Reserve University. Sally co-founded the Dyslexia Foundation of Charlotte, where she actively volunteered as a teacher and administrator. She also helped establish the Charlotte Drug Education Center, a pioneering initiative in the 1970s. Within the Cleveland community, Sally helped shape learning disabilities programs as a project chairperson and researcher for both the Cleveland Association for Children with Learning Disabilities and The Junior League of Cleveland, Ohio. Her leadership extended to Tatt, Inc. (The Ability To Teach), where she focused on creating conducive learning environments for student achievement for nearly 15 years.
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Professionally, Sally served as the president and owner of The Linen Consultants, an esteemed retail establishment in Cleveland that specialized in luxury home linens. Sally has served on the boards of Laurel School, Gannon University, Cleveland Health Education Museum, Cleveland State University, Nature Center at Shaker Lakes, and Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital. Her contributions were underscored when she received the Frances Payne Bolton Award from The Junior League of Cleveland in 1997. Sally and John are parents to three accomplished Laurel daughters: Suzy Schulze Taylor ‘81, Cindy Schulze Flynn ‘82, and Shelley Schulze ‘87. Additionally, their granddaughters, Kelsey Taylor ‘10, Maddie Flynn ‘16, and Morgan Flynn ‘17, and Sally's sister, Gay Reddig Mayl ‘51, carry on the family legacy as proud alumnae of Laurel School. Sally Reddig Schulze '56 Reflecting on her journey, Sally said, “Passionate about open discourse and dialogue, I have always believed that classrooms are spaces for curiosity to flourish. Encouraging students to share diverse perspectives fosters critical thinking, empathy, and growth. Our support for the new Ruhlman Family Center at Laurel’s Butler Campus will help create a vibrant new space where girls can be curious and purposeful in their learning.“ L
Ohio Tax Credit offers the opportunity to support a Laurel student In 2021, Ohio created the new Ohio Tax Credit Scholarship Program, which allows people to provide scholarship support to Laurel students and receive a dollar-for-dollar tax credit for your gift! Your donation is made through a Scholarship Granting Organization (SGO) directly and you will receive a tax credit up to $750 on your Ohio income tax returns. Married couples filing jointly may claim up to $1500. As long as your Ohio state tax obligation is equal to or greater than your gift amount, your donation costs you nothing extra.
to make your gift, go directly to the OAIS website at https://oais.gosgo.co/donations/new. When prompted, select “Laurel School – Shaker Heights.” Gifts may be made by check, credit card or ACH. As with any charitable donation, please contact your tax advisor to see if this opportunity makes sense for you and your family. Laurel is a member of the Ohio Association of Independent Schools (OAIS), which has created its own SGO for donations.
SGO DONOR
STUDENTS
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LAUREL SCHOOL'S DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT
A MESSAGE FROM MAEGAN RUHLMAN CROSS ‘03 Dear Friends, As we draw the curtain on yet another remarkable academic year, I am thrilled to express my profound gratitude and pride in Laurel School. It is with great pleasure that I once again have the opportunity to address you, our cherished community of learners, educators, parents, alumnae and steadfast supporters. Our shared dedication to fostering an environment of empowerment and growth for our girls (and small boys) is evident in every achievement and milestone that this Annual Report showcases. Behind every statistic and success story, there’s a world of effort and commitment. Whether it’s the tireless dedication of our faculty, the invaluable support of parents, the enthusiasm of our students, or the generous contributions from our donors and alums, each plays a pivotal role in our school’s journey. Yet, for all our achievements, what brings me the most joy are the daily, often untold stories: an Early Learner bravely making it through her first day without tears, a faculty member staying late to work individually with a student who might need a little more time and attention, or an alumna advocating for equal opportunities and resources for the female athletic teams at her college. It’s in these moments that the essence of our school truly shines. Looking forward, our vision remains clear and unwavering. We are committed to providing an environment where our girls are challenged academically, supported emotionally, and inspired to grow into confident, compassionate leaders. The future promises to be as exciting as ever. I encourage you to immerse yourself in the pages and stories of this report. Let it not only be a testament to our achievements but also a reaffirmation of our shared commitment to the next generation of women leaders. Together, as we venture into another year (indeed, 2023-24 is well underway!) I am filled with optimism and excitement for the endless possibilities that await. Thank you to those of you who make this all possible! All my best,
Maegan Ruhlman Cross ’03 Director of Development
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LEGACY for LAUREL
A PROMISE for THE FUTURE As alumnae, parents, and friends who love Laurel School, we have the power to strengthen and protect the School’s future. A planned gift is simply a gift promised in the future, and it’s easy to designate Laurel School or any of its programs or spaces as a recipient of a gift in your estate. By designating Laurel in your estate plans, you will join over 250 dedicated community members as a member of Legacy for Laurel, which allows us to recognize you appropriately for your generosity, foresight and dedication. Additionally, you’ll be invited to special Legacy events that will connect you with other supporters and where you can be recognized for your important commitment to our future. We welcome the opportunity to discuss with you the School’s programs and goals to help you decide on a purpose that would be meaningful to you or your family.
INTERESTED? Here are the steps to follow: • Contact your attorney and your financial advisor to let them know you are considering a planned gift to Laurel School. They can best assist you in determining what type of gift suits your personal and financial circumstances. • Contact Maegan Ruhlman Cross ‘03, Director of Development, at 216.455.3031 or mCross@LaurelSchool.org to let us know your intentions. We’ll be happy to send you further Legacy for Laurel information. • Be sure to talk with your family and friends about your plans and personal wishes in addressing family needs as well as your legacy gifts.
Legacy for Laurel supporters in the present honor Laurel's past by planning for the School’s future. Over the years, much of the School's financial stability has stemmed from bequests and other planned gifts.
NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID CLEVELAND, OHIO PERMIT NO. 701 Laurel School One Lyman Circle Shaker Heights, Ohio 44122
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ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED FOR PARENTS OF ALUMNAE: If this magazine is addressed to a daughter who no longer lives at home, kindly call us with the correct address: 216-464-1420
“The thing most worthwhile in life is to have a vision and to see it shape into reality.” Sarah E. Lyman A gift from an IRA can help shape Laurel’s reality.
Consider an IRA Charitable Rollover to Laurel School this year When you choose to make a qualified charitable distribution directly from your IRA to Laurel School, you can enjoy several advantages: • • • • •
The gift is included in your required minimum distribution and does not count toward your gross income: all gifts are non-taxed rollovers. The process is straightforward, with the financial institution directly transferring the funds to Laurel School, making it easy and convenient for you. An IRA donation is a simple, hassle-free way for you to have a positive impact at Laurel School. By reducing the size of your IRA through charitable giving, you may potentially reduce the estate-tax burden on your heirs. Traditional IRA donations may be made any time during the course of the year.
Eligibility requirements for benefits under the IRA Charitable Rollover: • • •
You must be at least 70 ½ years old when you make the gift. You must make an outright gift directly from your traditional IRA to Laurel School. The sum of your IRA gifts cannot total more than $100,000 per year. If a married couple files jointly, each may contribute up to $100,000!
