Open spaces with lots of natural light in educational settings result in a deeper connection to class content and enjoyment of learning—like the new Upper Commons named in honor of The Reverend Tony Lewis, Jr. ’65 and The Very Reverend Emmett Hoy, Jr. and the Rita Meyers Saints Stairs. In a day and age where society heavily relies on its phones and social media, having a space that brings people together for authentic conversation is partly what’s so inspiring about this space. 

Additionally, the new Upper School renovations will purposely situate the Peterson Family Art Center next to the science classrooms. Research shows that the connection of art and science help us interpret, study, and explore the world around us. Not only are the classrooms being designed for inquiry and innovation, but they will also provide students with what may be a first experience to approach new multidisciplinary concepts and develop the skills to understand and effectively use new information. Students will realize their own discoveries in these new classrooms and the community will be invited to participate!

Creating conditions for our students to thrive has always been a Saints priority. “Dedicating resources to the SSSAS annual fund, The Saints Fund, and Gift of a Saints Education are imperative to the success of the campaign,” Kirk said. “The Saints Fund allows the school to be responsive to emerging ideas while empowering our students, driving innovation, and strengthening our faculty. It ensures that the school’s annual operating budget is not compromised and its day-to-day programs can continue to flourish. The Gift of a Saints Education helps students attend SSSAS who otherwise would not have the opportunity to receive a Saints education.” Our Saints become best prepared for lifelong success when surrounded by an expanding range of perspectives, experiences, and talents that reflect the dynamics of life beyond SSSAS. 

For Our Community, By Our Community

In September 2023 we celebrated the launch of our community phase, which is a significant milestone in a campaign’s timeline because it represents a position of fundraising strength. “We are sincerely grateful to the early supporters and Board of Governors for their confidence and leadership philanthropy that has helped us reach $30 million of our $45 million goal so far,” Lizzie said. “We are also extremely grateful to the dynamic campaign volunteer leaders who have been energetic and dedicated ambassadors of Saints Together.”

Significant progress is also being made on the Upper School Project construction timeline. Excavation and demolition were completed on time last summer, which made way for the foundation to start being poured in early October and keeps us on track for a fall 2024 opening. 

“With a solid fundraising bedrock established, now is the time for our entire Saints community to think about how they might be involved with the campaign,” Kirk said. “If there’s one message about giving that we hope to impart to the Saints community it’s that every gift is important to help us reach our goal. Multi-year gifts are hugely important. Pledging a gift over the course of the next three to five years counts towards Saints Together and helps make a gift at a comfortable pace. Our actions now will communicate to future Saints that philanthropy and giving can be very purposeful and meaningful. There is a place for everyone to be involved with helping us reach our $45 million goal.” 

“Saints Together reinforces our identity as a welcoming community with our people at the center of all that we do,” Lizzie said. “SSSAS is a place where a person’s character is respected above all else.”  The story we are writing with Saints Together is one of shining a light on our community and of helping our students become who they are meant to be so they can share their gifts with the world.