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Scott B. Jacobs ’75
BOARD MESSAGE
n my Board Message for the inaugural edition of The Giving Report, I wrote about how, as a student, I I took for granted most of the things in my school life: classes; friends; athletics; and meals. The idea that “school” would suddenly be anything other than what I had come to expect was … well, unimaginable. In normal school years, this kind of thinking is probably shared by most students at the Academy. But the 2020-2021 school year was most assuredly not normal. Suddenly, for WMA students on campus at least, sitting in class with one’s peers, enjoying a meal together, running team drills or simply chatting on the porch of Rich Hall became hard won victories; the resulting benefits of a COVID-19 response plan the success of which depended largely on their buy-in. WMA students stepped up because they understood that they had a chance to retain these school routines while classmates around the world - and many peers across the country - did not. I also wrote that every time WMA has faced a challenge, our community of donors has risen to the task and carried the Academy forward. Once again that community proved itself deeply committed to the school’s success. Like our students, those listed in this report stepped up in the midst of unprecedented uncertainty and turmoil. They already knew what current students were just coming to understand: being on campus with peers and faculty is integral to the WMA experience. Nothing can replace it. Their generosity ensured WMA had the resources needed to keep students learning in person safely throughout the year while still moving forward on long-term projects like the iLab and the reintroduction of hockey. Last school year also saw the loss of two titans of the WMA community: Mr. S. Prestley Blake and Mr. Edward “Ned” Symes III '64W. Two men whose philanthropy guided us through challenging times, inspired others and whose leadership was consequential in bringing us to where we are today. We are pleased to share their stories with you in this edition of The Giving Report. I want to thank each and every one of our donors for keeping WMA strong during an extraordinary year and positioning us for the bright future ahead. To those who have not yet joined our community of donors, I ask “If not now, when?” There is more to do and every alumnus, parent and friend of WMA can make an impact. WMA means something to each of us. Honor that. Keep it strong. Sincerely,
Scott B. Jacobs ’75 Chair, Board of Trustees
