Donor Spotlight: Erin & Jed Gushman

Erin and Jed Gushman were the Parent Chairs of the Voyager Fund for the 2020-21 school year, and are continuing their roles for the 21-22 school year. They have two children at Island School, Ava (‘35) and Hendrix (‘33), and a deep history with the school. Erin Gushman, then Erin Shaw, attended Island School for seven years, and her sister, Sarah, for twelve. Erin graduated in 2002, as one of ten students in the third graduating class of Island School, a long way from the 35 graduates in 2021. Erin’s mother, Joan Shaw, worked at Island School from 1994 to 2018. The Gushmans, now parents of two Island School students, have been a part of the school for a total of 28 years. Erin was born and raised on Kauaʻi, and her family has deep roots on the island that date back to the early 20th century, when her greatgrandfather worked as an engineer for Grove Farm. After graduating from Island School, Erin went to University of San Diego. After college, she moved to Oʻahu to work in marketing and real estate, but always knew she would one day return to Kauaʻi. In 2014, Erin and Jed welcomed their first child, Hendrix, and Erin, by chance, was offered a job on Kauaʻi. The young family was thrilled to have an opportunity to return home.

“We are so grateful to call Kauaʻi home, we love the slow pace of life, enjoying all the wonderful outdoor adventures and activities the island has to offer, and being close to our family.”

As the Gushman family grew, they decided to send their two children to Island School, a school that had such a positive impact on Erin herself.

“We are so happy that our children have the opportunity to not only receive an exceptional education, but also to be a part of such a wonderful, enriching and nurturing environment where they can learn and grow. We love the small class sizes, the dedicated Voyager 22 teachers and staff, and the amazing resources and learning opportunities provided by Island School.”

The Gushmans believe in the importance of supporting and giving back to their community, especially to programs that help educate and nurture the children within that community. Island School is exactly that for the Gushmans. Island School has given this family so much opportunity, has allowed them to grow and evolve, and is now nurturing their children as they themselves grow and evolve. Erin explains that her family has seen firsthand how much hard work and dedication it takes to make Island School the incredible place that it is.

“Over the years we have been fortunate enough to have worked alongside many amazing volunteers and have seen the school grow and thrive as a result of the incredible generous donations of parents and community members. Now, as parents of Island School students, we feel an added responsibility to be active participants in supporting the school.”

The Gushmans donate to Island School because they believe in the mission and purpose of the school, and in the futures of our Voyagers. §