2022-23 Report on Giving
Head of School Penny B. Evins
The 2022-23 school year was remarkable in so many ways. You celebrated the service and legacy of Susanna A. Jones and broke ground on the new Learning Commons to be named in her honor. The community hosted its first grades 3-12 parent social, A Hol-TON of Fun; our Athletics department cut the ribbon on the renovated Marriott Gym and hosted the ISL basketball playoffs to a standing-room only crowd; and Scholastics Arts & Writing bestowed 14 Gold Keys on our students. Our Middle School and rising seniors were back on the road for the first time since 2019 with Global Education trips to Belize, Costa Rica, Morocco, and India. And of course, another stellar class of Holton graduates crossed the bridge for the final time, including 23 Global Scholars and 12 STEM Scholars. The School also announced the launch of a new Humanities Scholar program for future graduates.
All of these successes are made possible thanks to our donors. And what a record-breaking year it was– with more than $7.5 million contributed, the highest raised in School history. Many contributed in myriad ways, but we extend deep appreciation to all who provide the icing on Holton’s cake and we are so grateful for your support. Please read about Mary Ann Robb Freer ’50 and her threshold gift.
I look forward to getting to know more of our inspiring students, seeing our faculty and staff in action in everyday Holton moments and meeting you, our Holton community beyond 7303 River Road. With each interaction, I learn about Holton-Arms, a place near and dear to our current and former families. I thank those who came before me, starting with Mrs. Holton. To quote Mrs. Holton, “My high hope is that they who enter through the Open Door of Holton-Arms remember that they felt, in the friendliness of a home, the urge to learn and the joy of overcoming obstacles as the way to happiness and the fullest life.” is actualized with your generosity and intentional support, I look forward to keeping her vision for a girl’s education of mind, soul and spirit alive for generations to come. Thank you again for your warm and wonderful welcome to Holton-Arms!
My Best,
Penny B. Evins
Board Chair Cathy Johnson Butz ’87
Our tradition of excellence has been built on the commitment of our parents, alumnae, parents of alumnae, grandparents, faculty, staff, and friends who philanthropically prioritize Holton-Arms.
From answering today’s needs – via the Holton Fund and our Fund-A-Dream program – to preparing Holton to be ready to tackle whatever the future holds - with endowment funds that expand our Global Education programs, bolster Financial Aid, and support our teachers.
I salute the youngest class ever to endow a Fund – here’s to the Class of 1998! Our thanks to the donors who helped fund our first Instructorship in the Humanities. And of course, I send deep appreciation to all who have made gifts to the Susanna A. Jones Learning Commons which will serve as the “heart of the school” and make real Mrs. Holton’s vision of a place that has the “friendliness of home,” where the girls have “the urge to learn and the joy of overcoming obstacles."
It is with heartfelt thanks, gratitude, and excitement that we look forward to our next adventure!
With Sincere Thanks,
Cathy Johnson Butz ’87, P’ 18, P’ 21
Video / Image - Carousel
The Girls Advantage
Holton-Arms' Largest Single Gift Ever
Mary Ann Robb Freer ’50 dedicated an impressive 41 years of her life to supporting Holton-Arms through her consistent contributions to the Holton Fund year after year. Her unwavering commitment continued until she passed away in January 2023 with her $1,462,500.00 legacy gift – Holton-Arms' largest single gift ever.
Thank you to our donors!
Thank you to all who made our successes this year possible with more than $7.5 million raised!
Thank you, volunteers!
We extend our deepest appreciation to the parent volunteers whose generosity knew no bounds—donating their time, talents, treasures, and, often, delightful treats throughout the school year. Your unwavering support for our dedicated faculty and staff cultivated a profound sense of unity within the halls of Holton. Your enthusiasm, energy, dedication, and love for the Holton community radiated brightly during a year marked by its uniqueness. To our parent/guardian volunteers, we say a heartfelt thank you!
We are also so grateful to our alumnae who consistently give of themselves to our cherished alma mater. Whether it's helping us celebrate a Reunion year, orchestrating special gatherings, serving on the Alumnae Board, and beyond, your involvement enriches Holton's vibrant community and provides a crucial perspective for today's students, families, and school leaders. We are eternally grateful as Holton continues to graduate students who will be leaders for a better world!
Great care has been taken to prepare these lists. Please contact Ann Kangas directly with questions or concerns.
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