Celebrating 40 Years of Partnership: St. Andrew’s Honors Parent Association Legacy
St. Andrew’s Episcopal School recently celebrated a remarkable milestone - the 40th anniversary of its Parent Association - with a special evening honoring the many volunteer presidents who have helped shape the life, spirit, and direction of the school for four decades.
The celebration brought together past Parent Association presidents who have served St. Andrew’s through seasons of tremendous growth, exciting opportunity, and unprecedented challenge. From campus expansion projects and the founding of the Upper School, to leadership transitions and the resilience required during COVID, these volunteers have stood alongside the school at every turn - offering time, leadership, advocacy, and heart.
Throughout the evening, guests rekindled relationships, shared memories from across generations of St. Andrew’s families, and reconnected with friends who helped build and sustain the community so many students and families call home.
Head of School Melissa Grubb reflected on the significance of the milestone and the people who made it possible.
“Parent volunteers are the heartbeat of a school community, and their love for this school has shaped generations of students and families. Because of our volunteers, St. Andrew’s is not just a school - it is a true community.”
The Parent Association’s impact is perhaps best captured through the voices of those who have lived it.
“Something that’s special about being in the St. Andrew’s community is the really close relationship between the school and the parents,” said Mairin Epp (PA President 2020-2022)
“You still walk on campus and still feel like you’re truly part of the family,” shared Patti Loose (PA President 2011-2013)
“I am always amazed at how wonderful volunteers are…big things can happen together and I am just always in awe of that,” said Amy Dunham (PA President 2009-2011)
“Serving as PA President gave me a way to give back to the school that embraced my family, welcomed them, and meant so much to them,” reflected Edie Rogat (PA President 2013-2015)
School leadership also emphasized the importance of the Parent Association in fostering belonging and engagement across the community.
“The community engagement the Parent Association brings to the school is so important to help everyone feel like they are participating in the life of St. Andrew’s,” said Alice Nezzer ’81, Associate Head of School.
This milestone event also offered many attendees their first opportunity to explore the school’s newest gathering space - Highlander Hall - itself a powerful symbol of community partnership and shared vision. Guests toured the space, exchanged stories of past events and initiatives, and reflected on how parent leadership and engagement have helped make transformative projects like Highlander Hall possible.
Mrs. Grubb noted the deeper meaning behind the building and the celebration itself.
“Highlander Hall is a beautiful new home for our community and a symbol of what is possible when people believe deeply in a shared mission,” she said. “Spaces like this are built through generosity, yes - but even more so through connection. And that connection is something each of you helped build. You helped create the culture of belonging, engagement, and joy that inspires families to invest in St. Andrew’s and in one another.”
The evening closed with gratitude and celebration - honoring not only past service, but the enduring legacy of parent leadership at St. Andrew’s.
“Seeing all of you together tonight is truly inspiring,” said Mrs. Grubb. “I hope this evening is filled with laughter, memories, and deep pride in the legacy you helped create. We are so grateful you are here, and we are so grateful for you. Happy 40th anniversary and thank you for being such an essential part of the St. Andrew’s story.”
As St. Andrew’s looks toward the future, the 40th anniversary of the Parent Association served as a powerful reminder: the school’s greatest strength has always been - and will always be - its people.
