Founders Day

Each year, St. Johns celebrates Founders Day in honor of the establishment of St. Johns Country Day School by Dr. Edwin P. Heinrich and Mrs. Dorothea Heinrich. The School opened its doors on Monday, September 14, 1953. Originally housed in the second floor of a public building at the corner of Park Avenue and Kingsley, St. Johns began with a pioneer spirit and 26 students. A founding member of the Florida Council of Independent Schools (FCIS) and today the #1 College Prep Private High School in Jacksonville (according to Niche.com), the School has come a long way.

On September 14, 2022, students, parents, alumni, faculty, staff, and friends gathered with a trio of things to celebrate: Not only the School’s founding, but also its annual Senior-Grade 1 Buddy matching ceremony, and the dedication and opening of a beautiful new playground.

Long a favorite tradition of students and alumni alike, the Senior-Grade 1 Buddy program matches each first grader with one or more senior “buddies,” for a year of fun and friendship. Students will enjoy lunches together, have special holiday parties, and take a trip to the Jacksonville Zoo in the spring. First graders often join their seniors in celebrating college acceptances, or show up at soccer games to cheer them on. They stand together at flag raising each morning, and often, long after graduation, the former seniors stop by St. Johns for lunch with their Buddy. “The relationships built through this program provide continued support and friendship beyond the years at St. Johns,” said Baker, as each first grader’s name was called and they walked, together with their Senior Buddies, to toss a coin into the Wishing Fountain and proceed to the playground.

“Today we recognize traditions and enjoy a new beginning while celebrating 69 years of St. Johns Country Day School,” said Head of School Valorie Baker, welcoming friends and the School community to the new play space for Lower School students. “The new Ron & Angie Bare Playground is a beautiful, functional space that provides areas for free play, individual exercise, and team sports,” said Baker, as she was joined by Board President Mr. Gene Nichols to thank the many supporters who made the new space possible.

Ron and Angie Bare Lower School Playground Supporters

Ron and Angie Bare

The Rev. Lila Byrd Brown ’67

The Sullivan and Meadows Families

Andrew ’02 and Stephanie Price

David and Chrissy Price

Jake and Kelsey Eagerton

Allan and Fran Wulbern

Gene and Caroline Nichols

Will ’01 and Heather Courtney

David and Catherine Friedline

Rick and Tracey Gregson

Ray and Cynthia Morin

Larry ’04 and Patton Weber

Judson and Kelly Sapp

Michael and Kathy Vallencourt

Nick ’03 and Lauren Courtney

Bill ’73 and Owene Courtney ’73

Philip and Kara Maple

Michael Carty

Tommy and Margaret Gibbs

Mark ’94 and Jane Wilhelm

David Glidewell and Rechelle Wright-Glidewell

Quentin and Sherry Herring

Brad and Dawn Tracy

Gayle Fiser

Julie Walker ’95

Gene and Valorie Baker

Rod and Mary Virginia Fisher

St. Johns Lower School Student Council

John and Shelby Whitley