On my way to pick my son up from SPARK, I contemplated a response to “Why do I give to the GA Annual Fund?”

I came up with the usual realm of responses: It’s based on personal beliefs, it’s important, it’s my responsibility because of what GA gives to my child educationally and socially, etc.

Then I got it. As I picked my son up from school, his eyes were full of excitement and his words poured out about the day’s events. I thought, “This is why I give."

I attended GA for lower and middle school, and every time I pull into the campus I am reminded of the feelings I had while a student here. I am reminded and tickled by actually seeing those feelings on my son’s face.

That is why I give.

Watching my son’s passion for learning being stoked by the everyday environment he is in is why I give.

Witnessing competition and compassion grow equally in my formerly docile quiet, shy son is why I give.

It goes without saying, Germantown Academy is one of the finest learning institutions in the country and it is because of the Annual Fund that reputation continues to grow stronger year after year.

The Annual Fund increases GA’s ability to improve the academic plan and facilities as it continues to present our children with the unique opportunities that made us choose Germantown Academy.

That is why I give.

Leslie Burrell P ’24