Garden Gala Journal 2025 by Kat Sullivan

FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 2025

FROM THE DESK OF CHRIS HERMAN

Welcome to Garden School's Annual Gala, our community's most significant celebration and fundraiser. We are proud to be a part of an organization that has thrived for the last 101 years by consistently showing we can be both a stabilizing and reliable part of the community, while also remaining responsive to the evolving world around us

For the last century, we have been tasked with meeting the extraordinary demands of extraordinary times Whether it be through depressions, wars, pandemics, or hurricanes, Garden has opened its doors to empower young learners This year, we honor Andrew Ramsaran ’00 and Thomas Grech, exemplars of the Garden spirit. They prove regardless of the extraordinary times we face, remarkable outcomes abound when we focus on what matters

At Garden, we talk a lot about community and collective responsibility. These values pervade every aspect of what we do and who we are When I think of the great community effort that is behind our annual Gala, I cannot thank the Advancement team, the Gala Committee, and our Co-Chairs enough This event takes immense effort to organize and our children benefit greatly from those working behind the scenes for months to pull it off

Tonight’s Garden Gala serves as a meaningful reminder of the benefits of the community responsibility we share We ask our students to show up with great effort each day and we expect the same of ourselves. When we gather to celebrate and raise necessary funds, we make a statement of support for the school, its future, and the children who have been, are being, and will be educated here.

The staff and faculty are at the heart of a school and as we celebrate the school’s accomplishments, let us acknowledge that it is the generations of former and current teachers and staff members who have ushered children through the decades and made the Garden community a sanctuary of innovative teaching and learning

The families, students, alumni, and friends of Garden have consistently taken on the role of steward ensuring we have the support we need to see to it that the children of Garden School thrive. We thank you for being on the journey with us and for being here tonight to celebrate two outstanding individuals and Garden’s many accomplishments. When our students witness this commitment and leadership, they feel doubly supported in their own efforts and achievements

Very best, Chris Herman

HISTORY OF GARDEN SCHOOL

Garden School was founded by a small group of families looking to establish an independent school option in Jackson Heights. The thenrural borough of Queens served as the perfect backdrop for what would become Garden Country Day School. In 1923, in a rented apartment in Laburnum Court on 80th Street, Garden School opened its doors.

The school took its name from the newly constructed garden apartment complexes built by Edward MacDougall and the Queensboro Corporation. As interest in this new academic model grew, our first Head of School, Otis Flowers, along with the Board of Trustees, purchased the Jackson Heights Tennis Club and relocated the school there. More than a century later, Garden still opens the front doors of that original schoolhouse to welcome bright, enthusiastic learners each day.

Naturally, the school has grown quite a bit since then As Garden evolved, so did Jackson Heights. No longer the rural borough it once was, Garden dropped “Country Day” from its name in the 1950s, added a new Upper Division building in the 1960s, a new Lower Division in the 1970s, and later a pool and annex facility on Northern Boulevard.

With a continued focus on affordability and access, the Board prioritized auxiliary services. Garden launched a popular summer program, became one of the first NYC schools to expand into early childhood education, hosted non-fluent international students through an English Language Academy, and partnered with the DOE to open a Pre-K branch.

Community-based programs like the Writing Project and Music Conservatory have helped signal that Garden School is as committed to Jackson Heights as Jackson Heights has been to Garden for over a century.

MISSION STATEMENT

Garden School, in the independent tradition, affirms the primacy of learning. We empower every student in our educationally diverse community to meet responsibly the challenges of everyday life by promoting academic achievement, personal development and social involvement. We believe in each student’s individual identity. Garden School fosters the self-worth necessary to succeed.

HONORING

ANDREW RAMSARAN

’00

NYPD

Detective

Garden School Trustee

THOMAS J. GRECH President & Chief Executive Officer

Queens Chamber of Commerce

ANDREW RAMSARAN ’00

Garden Scho servant, prou community. Andrew attended Garden School from 1996 to 2000, serving as Class President and embodying the leadership spirit that continues to define him

A strong advocate for his community, Andrew remains closely connected to Garden. Now a member of the school’s Board of Trustees, he plays an active role in giving back to the institution that helped shape his path

For the past 20 years, Andrew has served New York City with integrity and compassion through his work with the NYPD Now retired from his role as a detective in the 19th Precinct’s Burglary and Robbery Apprehension Team, Andrew dedicated his career to keeping the city safe.

Outside of work, Andrew enjoys spending time with his wife and young daughter, who are often amazed by his impressive trivia knowledge. A true people person with a passion for homemade pizza and meaningful conversation, Andrew embodies the values of connection, community, and service that Garden holds dear.

We are thrilled to recognize Andrew Ramsaran for his outstanding contributions to both Garden School and New York City.

THOMAS J. GRECH

Garden School is proud to recognize Thomas J. Grech for his steadfast leadership, commitment to economic growth, and deep-rooted service to Queens. Since joining the Queens Chamber of Commerce as Executive Director in 2015 and stepping into the role of President and CEO in 2017 Tom has championed countless initiatives that uplift local businesses and strengthen our borough’s economy.

With a career that spans over two decades in the printing and publishing industries, including leadership roles at RR Donnelley, Merrill Corporation, and SONY DADC, Tom brings both business acumen and heart to every endeavor. Under his guidance, the Chamber has become a driving force behind community revitalization efforts, job creation, and strategic partnerships

Tom’s dedication to Queens extends well beyond his professional role. He serves on numerous boards and advisory councils, including Catholic Charities of Brooklyn & Queens, the York College Foundation, and the NYC PAL He plays key roles in transformative projects such as the JFK Redevelopment, Willets Point Revitalization, and the Sunnyside Yards Steering Committee. A proud son of Astoria, Tom’s tireless advocacy ensures that Queens remains a place where families, businesses, and institutions like Garden School can thrive.

Tom holds a BS in Accounting from the University of Scranton and an MBA in International Business from Manhattan College. We are honored to celebrate his contributions and lasting impact on our community.

MEET OUR EVENT CHAIRS

DR. ELIZABETH CRUM P’31, ’36

Parent Chair 2025

Dr Crum is a New York State licensed clinical psychologist who has served in various clinical, academic and supervisory capacities For many years, she worked as frontline clinician and unit administrator on the admissions service of the largest state psychiatric center in NYC. She has also worked extensively as a clinical supervisor to masters and doctoral level students and an adjunct professor of forensic psychology In 2018, she founded Ditmars Psychological Services, a group practice in Astoria, NY that provides psychotherapy services to children, teens, and adults. All of this is in combination with being loving parents to two current students here at Garden; Olivia '31 and Charlotte ’36.

LISA KUNIZAKI-CHOLIY

Parent Chair 2025

Lisa Kunizaki-Choliy is a dedicated mom to Gabriel ’36, a successful entrepreneur, and a talented event producer Known for her warmth and generosity, Lisa has been an integral part of this year's gala, contributing her expertise and passion to ensure its success. Her thoughtful approach and unwavering commitment have made her an invaluable member of the community Outside of her professional accomplishments, Lisa's genuine care for others shines through in everything she does