Message from the Board Chair

The 2021-2022 school year was one of transition and celebration. It was a full year that solidified the strength and unity of our community and the future of our school.

The Board of Trustees’ appreciation for our faculty and staff only grew as we navigated a second school year in a global pandemic. Like last year, our one goal remained: doing what’s best for our students. The collective effort to deliver an exceptional education was so evident, and when masks became optional in late winter, the energy on campus soared.

In 2019, Mark Davis shared his plans to retire in June 2022. This gave the Head of School Search Committee two full years to find the best fit for St. Luke’s next Head of School. In October 2021, we joyfully announced the appointment of Dr. Mary Halpin Carter.

As we neared the close of Mark’s 20th year as our Head of School, we found many ways to celebrate him and ensure he felt the community’s love and gratitude:

• Mark threw out the first pitch at the last varsity baseball home game.

• A campus-wide “Mr. Davis Day” was kicked off by surprising Mark as he arrived for work, with the full community outside greeting him with thunderous applause.

• The June 10th celebration of Mark on the Hilltop was attended by hundreds of people, all there to thank Mark and Elisabeth and bid them farewell (see page 66 for more)

During this transition year, our community recognized the importance of financial stability. You collectively and generously contributed almost $4 million in gifts and pledges to our school. Some highlights:

• Our Annual Fund set a new record, raising $1.8 million with 93% parent participation.

• For the 18th year in a row, our faculty and staff reached 100% Annual Fund participation. What a huge statement of confidence from the dedicated group that teaches our children each day.

• Recognizing the importance of gathering together, senior parents gave generously to establish the Class of 2022 Community Room in the Grey House (the building at the entrance to campus), bringing back to life a wonderful and underutilized part of campus (see pages 40-43 for more on Senior Gift)

• The Mark Davis Impact Fund raised $1.5 million for financial aid, enough to fully fund a student of need, in Mark’s name, every year in perpetuity.

Thank you for believing in St. Luke’s. Exiting the 2021-2022 school year from a position of strength, we are filled with excitement. Thanks to the excellence and continuity of our faculty and staff, the faith and support of our families and alumni, and our tremendous optimism about the Mary Halpin Carter era, the future of our great school is bright.

With sincere gratitude,

Jennifer Foster Chair, Board of Trustees