This past Saturday, close to 200 people gathered at Roycemore for our first in-person Scholarship Fundraiser in three years. The last two years were relegated to “virtual” fundraiser events due to the pandemic, and we so missed the warmth of our community combined with the creativity of a fun event that was for the sole purpose of raising money to support our commitment to having an economically diverse student body at Roycemore.

With the theme, “Best Show Ever,” we celebrated the past, present, and future of the school with alumni and parents of alumni, current and former faculty, students and parents, families whose children will be newly enrolled in the fall, and our Head of School-elect, Chris English and his wife, Lori. The past, present, and future were also tied to three rings of a circus, with an elephant representing the past– remembering the important role that Roycemore has played in helping students achieve all that they have. The lion represented the present as we roar and take pride in each individual and as members of a thriving community. A giraffe represented the future, with its long neck that stretches for miles. Its unique perspective can look beyond the moment and see numerous possibilities: our future together.

As guests arrived, they were greeted by Roycemore students with umbrellas as they braved the storm. Other students entertained dressed as clowns, even one on roller skates! Once inside, Midway games, silent auction perusing, and passed appetizers and cocktails were part of the festivities before settling into a transformed multipurpose room that included a tented ceiling, a lion and baby elephant, and painted scenes of clowns, a ferris wheel, and trapeze artists. Chris English offered a soul-stirring tribute to the past, present, and future– a future that he is excited to be a part of. Dinner was served by caterer Soul & Smoke while guests enjoyed strolling entertainment.

The evening hit a crescendo when, following dinner, everyone transitioned to the Joseph Becker Gymnasium for the live auction and paddle raise in support of the Scholarship Program. This third course of the evening represented the “third ring” of the circus- the giraffe as we look toward the future–support for our students and scholarship program. Just the day prior, we brought the present and future together literally as Chris English and I hoisted the big top together. Under the big top, a life-sized elephant impressed everyone as the backdrop for the live auction and paddle raise, but it was nothing compared to the beautiful singing of Hilda Gonzalez and Andy Mahlan accompanied by Tyler Fawbush on the drums. Several live auction items were auctioned off by Jerry Springer, our emcee compere with fanfare that only Jerry can bring. That was not before, however, Jerry shared with everyone how much Roycemore has meant to his family and the impact that it has had on his grandson. The Roycemore experience has also been profound for seniors Prahlad Lolla and Myron Neal, and Sam Iosevich ‘91, who each spoke in tribute to how Roycemore’s commitment to economic diversity changed their lives.

That’s really what it’s all about. Changing lives. We live our mission to inspire each student to discover their passion, think without limits, find their voice, and live courageously. With our community’s support of the Annual Auction and Scholarship Fundraiser, Roycemore can continue its mission so that future generations can benefit just as much as our past and present students.

Thank you!

In partnership for the education of your student,

Adrianne Finley Odell

Head of School