The Impact of Financial Assistance
Entry Hall Exterior
Blake Entry Hall Preview Following the completion of the Blake Commons in fall 2019, Blake will begin the next phase of construction with a new Entry Hall. The second phase of improvements will focus on one of the busiest hubs on Blake’s largest campus. If fundraising goals are met, the project will begin in late 2019 or spring 2020. The Entry Hall project includes: • A Better Arrival Entry Hall Interior An improved drive into campus will better accommodate traffic flow and provide a more pleasant welcome. • Entry Hall This new structure offers a gateway to our Lower School, Middle School, MacMillan Performing Arts Center and inner campus. With friendly reception and clear connections, the hall will serve as the “front door” for our busiest campus. • Smarter, Safer Parking A new parking lot will provide space for efficient drop-off and pick-up and increased capacity to better accommodate special events. The lot will also give buses their own entry and parking spaces.
JIM VAN DYNE BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS “I would like to recognize [food services director] Nicolle Thomas and the entire Taher crew for providing a delicious hot meal every day.”
Blake’s need-based financial assistance program helps students participate in transformative experiences in and beyond the classroom. Support for Excellence Accelerated has raised the number of students receiving need-based financial assistance from 200 to 304. Here, alumni share what Blake means to them. Claire Goebel ’08, partner at the Wildflower Foundation I am grateful for the incredible support system of friends, faculty, mentors, coaches and families I built at Blake. As a student, I was encouraged and supported by this group to think expansively about my life’s possibilities. This is a tremendous, rare privilege so few can claim when they reflect on their schooling. It’s one that motivates me in my work and my commitment to build more just, sustainable and equitable communities. [Former associate director of admissions] Cheryl Boyd was a true partner to my family — from day one of the admissions process — but most notably during unpredictable circumstances. Thanks to her unwavering support and her team’s efforts, I got to experience a life-changing high school education.
Kebu Johnson ’13, court research and verifications specialist at the McDowell Agency [Athletic director] Nick Rathmann has made one of the greatest impacts on my life through sports and education. As a former teacher and coach, he helped me develop the character needed to take on challenges and embrace change. Most importantly, I appreciate how much he cares for the Blake community. If only people knew how much work the teachers and coaches put in behind the scenes for students at Blake. It’s something I realized when I began at Blake in Middle School. That dedication has kept me motivated to learn and grow, both then and now. Continued on back