Good Tidings

Even in such a crazy, difficult time, there are so many wonderful things happening at Gaston Day School. So I have decided to share some. They are in no particular order of importance--all stand out. First, Harvey Maners is retiring from maintenance and operations at the end of this calendar year after twelve years of loyal, effective service. Harvey, who has one of world's gentlest spirits, came to the school to replace the legendary Hal Carpenter, who was a tough act to follow. From day one, Harvey did his job quietly, without fanfare, and well. Pretty soon, he gained everyone's confidence and trust. Harvey stands in a long line of GDS employees whose goodness and integrity rubbed off on everyone around them. And he was unusually good at his job. Thank you, Harvey, for a job well done and for your outstanding contributions to the school. 

More praise for another amazing employee. Rebekah Bing served until recently as School Secretary and Assistant to the Head. Everyone who knows or interacts with Rebekah--especially me--knows about her unfailing kindness, competence, and wisdom. About a month ago, it occurred to me that I was making very few decisions without asking Rebekah's advice. Sometimes--and I am only half joking--I think Rebekah is really running the school, and that's why Gaston Day is doing so well!! Anyway, in recognition of Rebekah's incredible value and contributions to the school, I decided to change her title to School Secretary and Executive Assistant to the Head. Her new title more accurately describes her role in the life of the school. Please join me in congratulating Rebekah and thanking her for all she does. 

Other things that make me proud and happy: Rick Fischer's band concert in the PKW parking lot this past Monday. Like all Mr. Fischer's concerts, it was great. But this one was particularly special because of all the obstacles Rick Fischer has faced and overcome. He has taught band this year in the most challenging circumstances. The band has practiced in the pitching and batting cage up at the Frances H. Henry Baseball Field or on the lawn outside the band room to stay safe and healthy. Mr. Fischer could have found lots of reasons to grumble and complain, but he hasn't. Instead, he has taken the proverbial lemon and made lemonade. And our band made beautiful music at their outdoor concert. His dedication and invincibility really are just one of the more visible examples of the way the whole faculty has responded to the Covid challenge. Thank you, Mr. Fischer, and thank you, faculty!!

Finally, the success of Giving Tuesday reflects the generosity of all our donors and the hard work of our Advancement and Marketing and Communications teams. Davidson Hobson, Casey Field (who is helping out with the Gaston Day Fund this year), and Kristin Paxton-Shaw created lots of excitement and fanfare around Giving Tuesday. They also convinced two of our largest donors to extend giving challenges to the rest of the Gaston Day community. Ralph and Sally Robinson, former GDS parents and longtime supporters, agreed to make a dollar-for-dollar match for any gift made on Giving Tuesday up to $25,000. Another anonymous donor agreed to give $10,000 to the GDS Fund if we got 25 new gifts from alums. Here are the amazing results. We raised just over $50,000 on Giving Tuesday (not counting the challenge grants) and received 29 new alumni gifts. So altogether, we raised over $85,000 on Giving Tuesday for the school. Thank you, donors!!!

I hope each of you has the merriest, most meaningful holidays ever!! Good tidings to you and peace on earth!!