Give
Why I Give
Why I Give: Ellen McAleavy (Sean O'Connor '21 and Gabe O'Connor '24)
We have always felt that the greatest gifts you can give a child are love, time, and an incredible education. Sonoma Academy has, year after year, graduated thoughtful, engaged young adults, well equipped to be lifelong learners.
We think the secret sauce of SA is the emphasis on community. Of course there are teams and clubs to join, but there are so many other rich opportunities in which to explore, stretch and grow: Exploratory, Intersession, Senior Speeches, lunch in the GAC, Retreats, and Advisory, to name a few. These opportunities for students to express themselves, to be vulnerable, to reflect on and learn from mistakes are what completes a well rounded education.
We also appreciate the SA culture that gives space and time for creativity—not just the fabulous Visual Art, Theater, Music programs, but also the silly fun of events like “Anything but a Backpack” Day!
Last week, we noticed that Sean (‘21), who has taken a few months of break between school and college, is reading four different books. They are filled with yellow sticky notes inserted in important pages. Those yellow sticky notes are “so SA,” something Sean learned during his various Humanities classes. The books are: The Good Soldier Švejk by Jaroslav Hašek, The Fatal Shore by Robert Hughes, The I Ching or Book of Changes Richard Wilhelm Translation, Richard Wilhelm Translation, and The Myth of Sisyphus by Albert Camus.
Seeing all of these books scattered around the living room made me stop and give thanks for all that SA has given to us. How fortunate we are to benefit from the legacy of giving that came before us! To the founders who gave so much of their time and money to bring SA to life, and to all the past parents, teachers, staff, and board members: a huge thank you for all that you have done so that our children can benefit from your giving.
Giving to SA with both our time and money is our way to contribute to this amazing community of parents and staff who share our view that an incredible education is the ultimate gift that lasts a lifetime.
Every Gift Matters
Behind every gift to Sonoma Academy is a story. Some give because they were inspired by our brilliant faculty. Some give because they believe that education is the best investment there is. Some give because they know that a caring, community-oriented culture paired with academic rigor is the recipe for a school than can foster a new generation of creative critical thinkers and responsible, passionate leaders.
Learn a little more about why our community gives to the Sonoma Academy Fund.
Learn a little more about why our community gives to the Sonoma Academy Fund.
Why I Give
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Florence Rink
"...because, as a faculty member for the past 17 years, I have witnessed what my peers do every day in the classroom, how creative they are, how dedicated they are to their students, and how much they care." -
Beryl and Dohn Glitz
Beryl and Dohn Glitz
"...because SA is a genuine community of students and adults, dedicated to the nurture and education of thinking young people who are caring and involved with each other and with the world." -
Bill Loftus
Bill Loftus
"...because we feel so lucky that Patrick and later, our son Brendan, both found their place here. And we couldn't have done it without financial aid." -
Amanda McFadden
Amanda McFadden, Director of Music
"...because I am deeply invested in my community, where we celebrate the ensemble, coming together to work for a common goal." -
Zena Hinds '12
Zena Hinds '12
"...because the level of education I received at SA should be the standard, not the exception. I see giving to SA as supporting the way the world should be." -
Rebecca Fuette
Rebecca Fuette
"...sometimes, we just can't believe our son (Luke '21) gets to go to school here! We are so incredibly blessed to be part of the Sonoma Academy community, and we find it a privilege to be able to give back. " -
Mark and Kiyo Tukman
Mark and Kiyo Tukman
"...because the teachers have fun, love to teach and love to learn, and it rubs off on the students. Sonoma Academy is a community where people look out for each other, and kids are safe to discover who they are." -
Olivia Hernandez
Olivia Hernandez"... in hopes that countless students in the years to come will benefit and grow over their four years from their experiences here. ...con la esperanza muchísimos estudiantes más se beneficien y crezcan durante sus cuatro años a través de sus experiencias aquí." -
Nicole Abaté Ducarroz
Nicole Abaté Ducarroz
"...because tudents are honored and valued for who they are. The staffulty finds ways to bring out the best in each student, meeting them where they are instead of trying to fit them into a box." -
The De La O family
Shadia and Justo De La O
"...because we are extremely grateful. We give because we can. It feels great to support this school that has given our family so much." -
Chris Hanna
Chris Hanna
"...because with its outstanding teachers and staff, encouraging advisors, educational programs for parents, and wonderful performing arts programs, the school positively impacts our family every single day." -
Bridget Twomey
Bridget Twomey
"...to model our philanthropic values with our children and to express our gratitude for and support of the remarkable teachers who inspire our children every day." Bridget is a trustee and parent to Will '18 and Madeline '20. -
Steven Cochran & Tina Sun
Steven Cochran & Tina Sun
"...to help further the educational opportunities available to our nephew, an international student. He is genuinely enthusiastic about the whole range of experiences he receives at SA; we are delighted with his progress." Steven and Tina are aunt and uncle to Haoxiang "Sean" Sun '21. -
Cassandra Shafer
Cassandra Shafer
"...in acknowledgment that the academic, social-emotional, and creative foundation my daughter, Columbia Shafer '11, received at SA prepared her not only to succeed in college, but to embrace life with competence and confidence." -
Sally Nicholson
Sally Nicholson
"...because education is the most valuable gift we could offer our son. The life lessons he learned from the staff, administrators, and other students at SA have contributed to the visionary man he has become." Sally is parent to Bobby '04. -
Molly and Mark Gamble
Molly & Mark Gamble
"...because it is the rare Bay Area high school that does what it says it is going to do: instills in students a love for life-long learning." Molly & Mark are parents to Lila '20 and Henry. -
Chris Ziemer
Chris & Renee Ziemer
"When I arrived at Sonoma Academy, I was amazed at the generosity of the founding trustees, as they built the school from scratch. We are honored to join all of the individuals and families who contribute to our wonderful school."
Sonoma Academy Is...
...the only private, independent, college preparatory high school in Sonoma County. On our beautiful campus nestled at the base of Taylor Mountain in Southeastern Santa Rosa, our students are able to explore their interests and passions in a rigorous and inspiring environment that develops a lifelong love of learning and prepares them for college and beyond.
Sonoma Academy admits students of any race, color, religion, ethnicity or national origin, citizenship, gender or gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, or disability, to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. The school does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, ethnicity or national origin, citizenship, gender or gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, or disability in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and tuition assistance programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.
