Planned Giving Commitment

My son, Gabriel Hirsch, was a student at Little Keswick School between the ages of 12 and 15. At age 22 Gabriel sadly and unexpectedly died from a medical complication. After recovering some semblance of equanimity, I began to think about a way to honor him—something he would have liked and that would also be comforting to me. As the arc of his life distilled in my mind, I realized that Little Keswick School probably had the biggest impact on his short life. As a student there, he came to understand his challenges and to recognize his gifts, to discover himself through self-expression, and to learn (most importantly) how to make and be a good friend. In 2013 with the help of Marc and Terry Columbus and with special assistance from Dr. Marty Thomson, who had worked so closely with Gabriel as his therapist, we created the annual Gabriel Hirsch Art and Poetry Award. When it started, I had no idea how meaningful the program would become for me. Every year when I attend the transition ceremony at the school, I am reminded of the amazing community there. I see the boys who are leaving the school and see their touching combination of well-earned pride and innocent vulnerability. I am reminded of my son and all the opportunities that had lain before him. Although sad, I feel so proud of Gabriel and what he accomplished in his brief time on earth. And I’m proud to have given something back to the school, however modest in financial terms, that enriches the lives of other students.

Last year I decided to leave a bequest in my will for Little Keswick School to continue the poetry and art award and to be used more broadly by the school for arts education. I have no idea how much money will be left in my estate when I die. If I live a long life, LKS will be out of luck! But my experience creating the program in honor of my son made me realize that the size of the bequest was less important than the commitment to the school.

I believe the LKS administration agrees with me that recognition and sustained support for the remarkable work of the school is a significant way to honor our children, both during their lifetimes and after, and it is a deeply meaningful act for us as parents and friends of the school.

—Janet Landay, Past Parent

Janet and Buster