Showing our Appreciation

Another year, another Senior School musical, another chance to treat our amazing donors to a spectacular show in appreciation of their generous support of our School! This year, we were so pleased to welcome more than 30 people, Donors and Cast Parents alike, to Headmaster Joe Seagram’s home for a reception before the November 22^nd evening show of Chicago. Our guests were absolutely blown away—once again—by the magical performance staged by our Arts Department.

We were so blessed to have been welcomed by our Headmaster and his wife, Belinda, to host our annual pre-show reception in the glow of the warm hearth in Alexandra Hall, showcasing the hospitality they so often extend to our office for various events each year. Guests were delighted to bask in some early holiday cheer, as four Christmas trees shone brightly.

We also must acknowledge Director of Advancement Heather Strickey and Advancement Officer Jenn Shaw and the work they did, always putting their best, collaborative foot forward when planning these lovely events for the KES Community. After this particular evening, our inbox received a note from a donor thanking Jenn and Heather for the “outrageous hospitality” of the evening, only wishing they could have spent more time at Alexandra Hall before heading to the show!

 

At the reception, as cast parents mingled with our donors, it was heartening to see the capacity of KES to capture the generosity and loyalty of Staff, Students, Alumni, Parents, and Friends regardless of age, or even direct connection to our School! This year we were joined by long-time Friends of the School Irene Rigold—coincidingly celebrating her 91^st birthday—and John Montgomerie, who generously funds the English Award at Prize Day each year in memory of his father, Hugh MacKay Montgomerie (1926-33). On the other end of the spectrum, we were also joined by brand-new Alum and Donor, Julia Strickey (2013-19) who made the trek from Mount Saint Vincent University (on a school night!).

This now-annual event has developed into a fantastic way to both show appreciation to our Donors (who all got complimentary tickets to Chicago that evening) and show off the amazing talent of the Students currently attending KES! In this office, we’re already looking forward to next year!