Give

Why I Give

Why I Give: Sarah and David Hehman (Oliver ‘23 and George ‘25)

"When you find a school community that supports, inspires, and challenges your children, you want to ensure its longevity and pass that positive experience along to the next family—that’s why we choose to give to SA. We give, both through volunteerism and financially, so that we can enhance opportunities for the benefit of our entire community. We contribute to strengthen the innovative and engaging curriculum and the incredible facilities and beautiful campus. But, most of all, we give so that every young person has equal access to the breadth and depth of programming that fosters curiosity, engages intellectually, honors diversity, prioritizes service, provides opportunities for risk-taking and spirited competition, and supports the development of lasting friendship. We’re proud to contribute to a community that equips young people with agency and optimism and prepares them to engage the world with empathy and ethics."

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.

Why I Give

  • Florence Rink 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
    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
    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
    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
    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
    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
    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
    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
    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 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
    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

    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

    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
    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

    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 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 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."
2500 Farmers Lane 
Santa Rosa, CA 95404 
(707) 545-1770 
inbox@sonomaacademy.org
 

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, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.