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St. Luke’s Holds 22nd Annual State of the School
On Thursday, Oct. 12, close to 400 St. Luke’s community members joined together on the Hilltop for the 22nd annual State of the School (Click the link for the community statistics, financial highlights, special thanks, and more).
The evening kicked off with a stunning fall-inspired reception hosted by the Parents’ Association State of the School Committee, led by co-chairs Michelle Riley and Leah DeSantis. Guests enjoyed hors d’oeuvres and cocktails, and our good-spirited Board of Trustees members served as bartenders.
Following the reception, guests gathered in the Seldin Performing Arts Center for the evening’s program, where they were welcomed by Head of School Mary Halpin Carter and celebrated this year’s Edward B. Blakely Distinguished Faculty & Staff Award recipient, St. Luke’s Associate Head of School and Chief Financial Officer Julia Gabriele.
“This year's winner, in many ways, is St. Luke’s,” said Carter of Gabriele. “Our recipient, perhaps more than any other individual, has been responsible for turning dreams and ambitions for this campus and community into reality. And she’s only just begun.”
Following the award presentation, Board Chair Christopher Rosow gave an exciting overview of the State of St. Luke’s, highlighting stories of our mission in action, enrollment achievements, development milestones, and plans for the school.
To convey the impact of St. Luke’s on his family, Rosow read something his son Connor ‘20 wrote when making a donation during last year’s Teacher Appreciation Week: The high-quality instruction and the uniquely St. Lukesian emphasis on the concept of ‘go forth to serve’ has allowed me to tackle nearly every academic and moral challenge I have faced since high school with confidence and poise.
After our Board Chair’s remarks, Lina Elwood ‘28 and Andrew Seel ‘24 took the stage to perform a piano duet, The Italian Polka. “We just experienced the wonder of young people who are pursuing artistic beauty,” said Dr. Carter. The second half of the State of the School, Prepared to Thrive, highlighted strategic plan initiatives. Dr. Carter was joined by Head of Upper School Dr. Billy Bludgus, Assistant Head of Upper School Abby Abbott, Assistant Head of Upper School for Academics Liz Perry, and Director of Equity & Inclusion Jacqueline Nelson. The team presented key initiatives, including Leading with Humanity — a leadership curriculum; Compass — an individualized coaching program; Emerging Technologies — a signature program; and One St. Luke’s — our strategy for ever-increasing community strength.
The night concluded with a stellar alum reflections video.
St. Luke’s School is a secular (non-religious), private school in New Canaan, CT for grades 5 through 12 serving over 35 towns in Connecticut and New York. Our exceptional academics and diverse co-educational community foster students’ intellectual and ethical development and prepare them for top colleges. St. Luke’s Center for Leadership builds the commitment to serve and the confidence to lead.
