Giving Back:
Sam Spear ’71
For more than four decades, Friends Select School trustee Sam Spear ’71 |
has made an annual financial commitment to the school. As members of the Dick Hoffman Circle of longtime donors, Sam and his wife Rosanne exemplify the many ways donors can support the school, from contributions to the Friends Select Fund and gifts made through the Pennsylvania State Tax Credit Program to leadership-level gifts as part of the Benefactors Society. |
Sam and Rosanne’s most recent generosity supports both the Advance Friends Select: Transformation Campaign and financial aid for students, reflecting the couple’s profound, ongoing commitment to the school’s mission and community. Regarding their motivation for their meaningful contributions, Sam shared:
This recent contribution is made in memory of teacher Gene Kerrick; in honor of teacher Dick Hoffman; in recognition of the leadership and extraordinary work of head of school Michael Gary and the entire faculty and staff of Friends Select; and to the students—all of whom contribute so much to the school’s goals and accomplishments. Their lives and work collectively have inspired this gift, and we are very glad we’re in a position to be able to make it happen.
The reputation of FSS has justifiably risen under the leadership of Michael and his team. We are confident they’ll be able, through their continued hard work and creativity, to enhance our shared ability to enrich the students’ minds and spirits to the extent we are able to do that.
We believe the board of trustees and school administration share our view that the primary goal in raising and spending money is to continue to improve what the students are able to garner from their experiences at Friends Select. That generally encompasses the physical plant, educational resources, and especially the caring and talented faculty and staff that this school offers.
I went through a similar experience when the "new school"—the current Parkway Building— was built when I was at the school in 9th, 10th, and 11th grades. And what I learned at Friends Select continues to help and motivate me today, more than 50 years later. Now our "new new school" is, I hope, conferring on the students the same sense of amazement and appreciation I enjoyed.
