Why I Volunteer for SAAS

Sharon Perlin (Liat ’13, Amit ’15, Maital ’23)

Board Trustee, Parent Association President

Over twenty years ago, I was introduced to Seattle Academy by my husband, Sam Perlin, who accepted a faculty position. At the time, we lived across the country and this would be our first time in Seattle and this community. And I was blown away. I was introduced to a diverse and welcoming community of students, faculty, and parents who generously volunteered.

As our children grew, we also knew SAAS was the place for them. As a parent, I saw the impact SAAS had on my children. Their approach to education—how teachers authentically Know the Kid, preparing students for College and Life, enabling risk-taking through the Culture of Performance in an Inclusive Community—prepared two of my children to graduate and contribute boldly to a changing world. My youngest is thriving as a 9th grader, and I can’t wait to see how she flourishes into a SAAS graduate.

I was also inspired by other SAAS parents who care deeply about this school and chose to volunteer, so I leaned in. I started in small ways and then in larger ways. In 2017-18, I joined the Board of Trustees and joined the Parent Association Executive Committee as the President. Today, I’m surrounded by other parent volunteers whom I call friends. I’m able to connect with parents and the school in wonderful ways. When I asked other parents why volunteering at SAAS is important to them, here’s what they shared:

MEGAN BERGERSON

(Max ’23) I volunteer at SAAS because as my student gets older he shares less about his life with me. When I ask him questions about his day, he gives me short answers usually accompanied by an epic eye roll. By volunteering at his school, I am able to stay connected with what is happening in his community.

AMY BRYANT

(Spencer ’22, Brody ’24) You get more out of an experience by putting time and energy into it and being part of it. It's hard to feel connected if you sit on the sidelines.

TONYA DRESSEL

(Jackson Doran ’17, Brady Doran ’19, Jesse Doran ’22) Our family with three boys has been at SAAS since 2012 and this community is really all of our community. When you have three active and engaged kids, if you don't engage you are going to get left out and behind. These school years go fast so you’d better jump in or you will miss so much.

DAVID CAMPBELL ’87

(Parker ’22) I’m a SAAS dad and a SAAS grad myself. My experience of being a direct member of the school community back in the mid-eighties makes me want to be active in the community today.

COLLEEN COOKE

(Margaux Johnstone ’21) Engagement in the SAAS community helps me have a greater connection to the teachers, counselors, administrators, fellow parents, and students my daughter spends her time with every day. SAAS also attracts students and families from a large geographical area, which means our daughter doesn’t necessarily go to school with the neighborhood kids.

RUFARO HUGGINS

(Ahmir ’25) One day I showed up to SAAS unannounced to the knowledge of our 7th grader as I was preparing to learn how to lead tours. Of course, there was a moment of “What are you doing here?” but there was also the proud moment of “I’m glad that you’re here to share in my journey and your presence shows that!” This forged for us a mutual respect and understanding that we both have a place within the community of SAAS which is imperative as we journey from middle school to high school and beyond.

CHARLENE KLETZLY

(Cooper ’22, Grace ’24) I feel uplifted when I volunteer with the Admissions Team. I am excited every time I get the opportunity to share my story with prospective families. As the JV Lacrosse team parent last year, I learned more about the game but also really got to know the players. Mutual respect happened.

FIONA LENNARD

(Samuel ’22, Sydney ’24) Your community is your ally; your community is there to help raise your kids. The SAAS community is exceptional—filled with kind, generous, and smart people. I want my kids to know their friends’ parents and vice versa. I want to know all the parents of my kid's friends. We are all in this together and need to help each other.

NIKKI LUNDIN

(Calvin ’23) I think volunteering helps to meet other parents with the same-aged kids which helps with knowing what's happening in the grade level. Also, I like volunteering because I get reminded again and again how awesome SAAS is for the kids.

CHIHIRO MORISHIMA

(Joseph Cookson ’21) I volunteer with the Parent Ed Committee because I love learning about child development. This helps me to understand and connect better with my own son, and it also allows me to be a part of the SAAS community. I'm also a team mom because I want to support my son's passion for basketball and the great coaches and young men on the SAAS team.

JULIE NICHOLLS

(Aya ’23) Having enrolled our daughter in SAAS straight off a cross-country move, meeting long-time Seattle residents here at SAAS helped us acclimate to our new city. Likewise, meeting other folks who had moved here from out of town helped us and our daughter feel a sense of belonging and shed the feeling of being outsiders.

SARAH RANKIN

(Miles ’21, Chloe ’22) Volunteering is not only important to support our children, but it also shows our support and appreciation for the extraordinary dedication of their teachers, administrators, and coaches. Any valuable school is a village where everyone participates; SAAS is truly a village of people who care about each other.

AMY AND JEFF ROBERTS

(McKenzie ’21, Marlee ’24) Through volunteering we were able to meet others with similar family interests, and through these new connections, we were able to help build momentum while supporting the many programs within SAAS so that they could continue to flourish and be sustained.

BOB STEEDMAN

(Zachary Everts ’19, Eli Everts ’21) Volunteering is very rewarding. It keeps you engaged, informed and you can grow new long-term friendships.

LYNANNE STRUSS

(Colson ’23, Miles ’25, Lila ’26) Our 9th Grade group of Parent Association reps meets on a regular basis. There is business to be discussed, but what many of us value the most is the sharing of information about what is happening with the kids in that grade level. It helps me be more aware as a parent.

BOB ZEINEMANN

(Asa ’25) I choose to be engaged as a volunteer because it makes for a stronger, connected community, it helps SAAS implement its mission, it helps me to be connected to what is happening at school, and I learn from other parents whom I meet while volunteering. This makes for a better school experience for everyone at SAAS, including for our family.