Donor Spotlight: The Petway Family

 SPOTLIGHT

donors

In It for the Long Haul

The Petways make supporting Landmark a family affair By Brittany Kenney

Although they are firmly entrenched in Jacksonville, Florida, the Petway family has a long, multi-generational history with Landmark School. Unlike today’s environment where learning disabilities are getting much-needed attention, the not-so-distant past saw a time when these disabilities were misdiagnosed, left untreated, or simply ignored.

It was during that time, in the 1970s, when Tom and Betty Petway realized that their children needed additional help with learning. It was obvious to them that the mainstream schools were not adequately preparing Brette and Ty for college or life beyond. Ty, the youngest, was encouraged to enroll at Landmark School and gain access to the exceptional teachers there. Even though it was far from his home in Jacksonville, Ty accepted the decision and completed his middle and high school education at Landmark. Once Brette saw the positive impact the school had on her brother, she made the decision to go there as well. She finished high school at home, then attended Landmark’s now defunct post-graduate program, and eventually went on to have a successful college career.

Fast forward a few decades, and Brette noticed her children struggling with learning as she and Ty had. Although Brette was living in Boulder, Colorado, she knew her sons would benefit from Landmark’s teaching methods. In 2014, her family moved temporarily to Massachusetts so the boys could attend Landmark’s Summer Program. In just five weeks, their skills and confidence increased greatly. When her younger son, Ashton, began struggling again, she decided it was time to enroll him in Landmark’s academic year High School program.

The following year, Brette and Ashton rented a house near campus and split their time between Massachusetts and Colorado. As difficult as it was to be away from family and friends, it was worth the sacrifice. While Ashton attended Landmark’s High School, Brette had the opportunity to see Landmark through a new lens—as a parent. She gained an enhanced appreciation for what Landmark’s teachers do every day, inside and outside of the classroom. They understood her son in a way no one else had, and they worked tirelessly to help him succeed. She wanted to do something to express the gratitude that she, and all Landmark parents, have for these gifted and dedicated educators.

Ty is now chairman of the board and CEO of US Assure, an insurance services company in his hometown of Jacksonville. He has successfully led it for more than 25 years. Brette serves on the US Assure board and has created her own inspirational art company, Popscapes, a community of people who help others heal and thrive through artistic expression.

Brette, Ty, and their parents, Betty and Tom, have an incredible history of philanthropy in their home community of Jacksonville. The Petway Family Foundation supports a variety of local organizations and charities that they are passionate about, including Florida

State University, Community PedsCare, the Jacksonville Zoo, and many more. The Petway name is synonymous with generosity in Jacksonville. That generosity now extends to the Landmark community as well.

When Brette decided to express her gratitude for Landmark teachers back in 2017, her family supported her 100%. That year, they established the Petway Family Faculty Development Award, providing grants for teachers to develop curriculum over the summer. Many teachers eagerly apply for this grant each spring, and it has fostered innovative, new teaching strategies for the school.

Upon hearing about the 50 Forward Campaign and its focus on supporting Landmark teachers, the Petway family stepped up again. Understanding the financial sacrifices that can accompany a career in education, the family was inspired when they learned about the Bob Broudo Excellence in Service Awards that provide monetary bonuses for Landmark teachers. Because of their family history with the school and the impact Landmark teachers have had on the lives of their children and grandchildren, Tom and Betty donated a cornerstone gift of $1,000,000 toward the Broudo Awards—a transformational gift that will positively affect the lives of our faculty members well into the future.

Landmark School is grateful to be a part of the expansive generosity of the Petway family and honored to have been a part of their children’s and grandchildren’s lives. Please join us in thanking them for their commitment to our mission, students, and teachers. BOOK-OPEN