MESSAGE FROM THE BOARD CHAIR

A MESSAGE FROM

Diem-Trang Dang

Board Chair

Dear Pegasus Community, Few would deny that this past year brought challenges to schools across the nation. It also brought opportunities for leadership in the face of adversity. Defined by a strong sense of community, resilience, and stewardship, The Pegasus School’s spirit prevailed amidst these circumstances. Prioritizing what was best for the Pegasus community, Head of School Jason Lopez, the Administrative team, and Nurse Karen Hurst made decisions that adapted the school to the changing landscape of public health guidance. Their decisions positioned Pegasus to meet the needs of families who wanted their children to learn in-person or virtually. They also answered the needs of employees who had school-aged children who were required to learn virtually at other schools. While remaining faithful to Pegasus values and the Mission, their actions better equipped the school to move forward in the year.

Another critical success factor was the power of faculty and staff to advance the Mission. Their ability to engage bright minds and attend to the social and emotional well-being of students is what distinguishes them. After taking stock of their strengths, they acquired new skills along with additional equipment to redefine teaching at Pegasus. They faced the intensity of instructing in a hybrid classroom with perseverance, creativity, collaboration, empathy, and courage. Thanks to faculty, staff, and administration’s resolve, Pegasus students received the best quality independent school education in Orange County and for that I am most grateful.

This past year Pegasus graduated a resilient class of eighth grade students with diverse backgrounds and unique interests. They matriculated to 19 different schools. Yet, what united them was their character traits and community values, and the memories they made learning together and preparing for high school. The Class of 2021 are now part of a growing legacy of Pegasus alumni who are capable of accomplishing great things. I look forward to hearing about their achievements in the years ahead. The year was also a tribute to the commitment of the Pegasus community to champion the Mission in a time of need by pledging financial resources and volunteering time and expertise. The Annual Fund, Annual Gala, and Capital Campaign attained high levels of support directly making an impact on the people and programs at Pegasus. The Parent Teacher Organization hosted numerous PEGLove events for employees and they invited wellknown experts to provide parent education. The Board of Trustees remained steadfast in safeguarding the Mission, preserving the school’s ethos, and ensuring a robust and sustainable future. I am profoundly appreciative and grateful for the philanthropic gifts and service from this vibrant community. They epitomize the Pegasus spirit. In the continuing effort to uphold the core values of the Pegasus Mission, the Board adopted a statement that properly expressed its position on

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice. This uniquely Pegasus statement puts into writing what was already part of the school culture. The guiding principles for this work was respect, compassion, confidence, kindness, and the belief that diverse perspectives lead to a stronger academic community.

The Pegasus community has emerged more resilient, resourceful, and stronger after this historic year. The Pegasus School is poised to respond to new challenges and opportunities as they arise and will remain watchful in today’s changing environment. It is my honor to present The Pegasus School’s Philanthropy Report and I hope you will be filled with pride in what the Pegasus community has accomplished. On behalf of the Board of Trustees, thank you for your support.

Sincerely,

Diem-Trang Dang Board Chair