A Message from our Head of School

message

[from our head of school]

Dear Lovett Community,

It is a wonderful fall here on the Riverbank! Returning to familiar rhythms and traditions has been energizing. What a journey we have been on since March 2020, when we had to close our campus. Lovett, without community and real-time connection, just isn’t Lovett as we all know and LOVE IT!

This annual report is unique from years past in that it is intended to be a look back at the investment you, our community, made in the school during a global pandemic, as well as a celebration of our success despite it all, and, most importantly, a look forward to the future. As challenging as the last year and half has been, the commitment of the Lovett community and YOUR love for our school has been demonstrated in so many ways, including through a record breaking year for our True Blue Annual Fund Campaign.

It is because of you, our beloved donors, that for the first time in the school’s 96 year history, our annual fund surpassed $3 million in donations. I am on bended knee for every single member of our community and friends beyond our gates who, despite the tumultuous times and uncertainty across the country, invested in our students, faculty, staff, and school, so we could keep our campus open and double down on our mission. Please accept my sincere appreciation for every dollar you have entrusted to us, every hour you volunteered, and every prayer you said on our behalf. Lovett could not have persevered through this difficult time without you.

There are so many “heroes of COVID” here on campus and among our greater school community that I would like to acknowledge and thank. Starting with our brave and inspiring students, to our loyal and grateful parents to every alum, grandparent, and friend of the school who invested in and rooted for us - Lovett thrived this past year because of you. To our courageous “staffulty” who burned the candle at both ends, pivoted quickly, and learned new technology overnight to deliver virtual school seamlessly: I’m forever indebted to you for your continued generosity and sacrifices on Lovett’s behalf.

The trajectory of Lovett is clear and defined by rich traditions, most notably the vision of our founder, Eva Edwards Lovett, who emphasized education through doing, and joyful learning. As we approach our Centennial in 2026, that vision rings truer than ever. Thanks to our Board of Trustees and the Strategic Design Team, the school is emerging from the dark days of the pandemic with clear core values: intellect, purpose, belonging, faith and love. Evolution and growth are critical to our continued success, as the world changes around us and the demands on education advance, it is crucial that these values and our foundational tenets remain steadfast.

In closing, thank you to all who have committed so generously of your time, talent, and treasures during such a unique year. The Lovett community rose to the occasion like no other. I look forward to seeing many of you on campus this year and please know my door is always open. The coming year will provide many opportunities to engage, get involved, and share your input as we innovate and advance Lovett for the next century. I hope you’ll join us once again.

Blessings to you and yours,

Meredyth M. Cole, Head of School