From the Archives: A Tradition of Family Support
Friends Select families have continuously played a crucial role in shaping our vibrant school community. Traditionally, parents and caregivers have supported Friends Select through volunteer efforts, fundraising initiatives, and active participation in school events.
When I started at Friends Select in 1963, the school already benefited from having a Parent-Teacher Association (PTA)—what we now call the Family Association. Some parents helped with mailings, and others read with lower school students. Almost all were mothers, as were the PTA presidents. At the time, the school’s major annual fundraiser was the Spring Fair. Every grade had a booth at the fair, selling anything from used books to lemon sticks. There were games and rides, including a ferris wheel on occasion. In 1973, an auction was added to the fair, which started a new tradition of holding multiple fundraisers during the year to support the school—all of which were made possible thanks to Friends Select families.
Today, through the Friends Select Family Association, parent and caregiver involvement continues to grow as the school provides avenues for engagement and connection. Groups such as the Families of Black Students Collective; Jewish Family and Friends Group; Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning (LGBTQ+) Family and Friends Group; and Multicultural Family and Friends Group offer opportunities for families to connect with and support one another and share experiences. From organizing cultural celebrations to advocating for inclusivity, affinity groups are a driving force in fostering a sense of belonging and community among Friends Select families.
“Parents and caregivers are eager to contribute their time and talents in meaningful ways. Our teachers and administrators welcome this involvement, and as a result, parents and caregivers are joining us during the school day as special guests sharing their expertise, offering senior internships, and participating as panelists in events such as Social Justice Week,” said Molly Mullahy P’33, director of the Friends Select Fund and constituent engagement, who works directly with the Family Association. “This collaboration allows families to become involved in the life of the school and strengthens our community.”
Family involvement is integral in planning and implementing events that not only enrich the school experience for students and their families but also foster a spirit of philanthropy. The annual Family Association auction, which continues to be led by parent volunteers, generates significant contributions for the Friends Select Fund while also providing opportunities to highlight FSS family-owned businesses through generous item donations and sponsorships. Additionally, Friends Select parents and caregivers often host the annual Benefactors Society reception, a gathering to steward leadership donors of the school. And they spearhead fundraising efforts for the senior class gift each year.
“Families are willing and enthusiastic about coming in to help at Friends Select; they truly love being part of our school community, and we love working with them,” Molly said. “We never have trouble finding volunteers. Whether it’s for an admission open house or to help with an event that will raise funds for FSS, families eagerly step up and I hope that never changes.”
- Dick Hoffman, Friends Select archivist
