As we close out May, we end one chapter in the life cycle of a school year. Seniors graduated last Friday in The Putrah Sports Complex in a beautiful ceremony replete with all our traditions: the roses, the gifts from the Bishop, and, perhaps most meaningful, the receiving line where our students have one last chance to say thank you to the teachers and staff who made their time at Shattuck St. Mary’s School meaningful.

There were lots of tears; there always is. That’s because this place has become their home–whether they spent one year or seven. Home is where you feel comfortable. Where you can be yourself. It is a place you can always return to when you need comfort. I’ve shared this anecdote before, but rumor has it that “home” for Jimi Hendrix was the song “Red House.” Whenever he felt lost or anxious (or perhaps a tad too altered) on stage, he would begin playing “Red House,” and he’d extend the song until he felt comfortable again.

That’s what Shattuck is for thousands of us. That grounding feeling in something profound, something larger than ourselves. That’s why, as I write, Shumway Hall is filled with alumni from across the globe, chatting with old friends and connecting with others from the honor years. They are back here because our School is where they grew up, and, where you grow up always remains “home.”  

Home just doesn’t happen, though. It takes hard-working, dedicated people. People like Coach Gordie Stafford, who is retiring this year after 26 years of service to our school. At his celebration party on Thursday night, board member Trevor Putrah ‘93 noted that no one who spoke about him that evening talked about his coaching record or the number of national championships he won or how many former players have played in the Olympics and PWHL. We all spoke about how he makes us feel as a person, the way he cares for others, and the dedication to the concept of team we believe in so strongly at Shattuck.

And we talked about the legacy he leaves us with–to enjoy, protect, and grow. It is always daunting when you're charged with the responsibility of a legacy like his. And he is just one of the myriad individuals who have added to the broader Shattuck legacy. We honor our legacy by living our mission, continuing to support and educate students, and creating an environment people want to return to. That’s what makes our school so special.

The calendar turns to June Monday morning, and to truly celebrate our legacy and fulfill our mission, we need our community to continue their financial support–or begin it for the first time. Meeting our Annual Fund goal each year allows us to ensure we attract and retain the people like Gordie who make up the “special sauce” of Shattuck St. Mary’s School. Meeting our Annual Fund goal each year means students who deserve to be at our school can attend regardless of their financial situation. And, your gift to the Annual Fund is both a thank you to those you never had a chance to thank and an opportunity for those you may never meet. 

An Annual Fund gift doesn’t fill a gap on a budget spreadsheet; it provides more opportunity, more access, and more growth. Most importantly, it allows Shattuck to be home to more students. That’s the real win.