Board of Trustees Year in Review

Brooke W. Rice President, RPDS Board of Trustees

Board of Trustees

2020 - 2021

This year I got to watch my own child walk across the stage and collect his diploma and Bible. As the 6th grade class stood to be honored for their hard work and dedication, I reflected on all that RPDS has provided. I’ve watched this group of graduates grow from toddlers to young adults, developing an exceptional educational foundation, an aptitude for serving others, and the confidence to conquer life’s challenges. Each of these students truly embodies the RPDS Graduate Traits.

To say that the 2020-2021 school year was a challenging one would be an understatement. Never did I think when I wrote last year’s letter that I would still be talking about the impact COVID-19 had on our school again this year! While it may have seemed effortless on the surface, behind the scenes, the RPDS faculty, staff, and administration worked tirelessly to keep the school open all year. As we neared the last few weeks of school, they were able to pivot again and invite many of us parents back onto campus for traditional events like The Vocabulary Parade, The Health & Wellness Fair, Flying Chapel, and Honors Chapel. Students were even able to squeeze in a few field trips. The effort and coordination required by the faculty and administration to give these students a big-bang send off will never be forgotten.

As I close out my tenure as board chair, I thank Ben Ketchum for his tireless leadership. The last two years were unprecedented and created challenges that we never imagined, yet he remained calm and steadfast in his commitment to his vision for Riverside. I also thank the Board of Trustees, who seamlessly adapted to countless Zoom committee meetings and board meetings. Their commitment to the long-term sustainability of this institution never wavered, despite all the hurdles and distractions. Most of all, though, I’m eternally grateful for the teachers who have worked so hard to create a sense of normalcy for our children, despite wearing masks and keeping their distance. Finally, thank you to our community of parents, grandparents, friends, and Riverside Presbyterian Church for your continued support of RPDS and its mission.

Brooke W. Rice

President Martin S. Harrell

Vice President Colleen E. Haley

Jan Andrews (’59) Brad Arrowsmith Joseph L. Barrow Marcela S. Beard Paula P. Brice Jenny Brumback Alicia Buckley Benjamin H. Campen Jed Davis Tommy Dudley, Jr. (’87) Katie Fackler

Stephanie Harden William H. Klima, Jr. (’89) Elizabeth G. Meux Titus J. Pittman John-Paul Saenz John Sapora Jessica Stevenson (’87) Shannal L. Thomas William Trice Scott C. Verlander (’88) Annika Wallace