The Gift of Access and Affordability

Senior year is a formative time in a Marksman’s life. From Blue Shirt Day to Commencement, it encompasses 365 days of traditions, the memories of which will last a lifetime. For some, these experiences come at an added cost that might be difficult to bear. As part of its prioritization of access and affordability, the School is committed to ensuring that every boy who comes to St. Mark’s can enjoy the full Marksman experience. 

 

This was top of mind when the officers of the Class of 2024 met to decide how they wanted to leave a lasting legacy at the School. Since 2002, graduating Marksmen have made a Senior Class Legacy Gift, designating the remainder of their class activity budget to help future Marksmen. For their gift, the Class of 2024 looked back on the seminal moments of their senior year, like Blue Shirt Day, Homecoming, and Marksmen Ball.  

 

“The senior activities are important because they bring the class together, which, by extension, bring the School together,” Senior Class President Nolan Marcus said. “These activities show the St. Mark’s experience is much more than what’s learned in the classroom; it's about making each boy into a better man.” 

 

Marcus, along with Senior Class Vice President Zack Goforth, Secretary Tyler Tang, and Senior Class Representative Ryland Ellis met several times to make sure the funds were allocated in meaningful ways. On the afternoon of their Commencement, the officers presented the Senior Legacy Gift to Eugene McDermott Headmaster David W. Dini. The seniors contributed nearly $115,000 to establish the Class of 2024 Access & Affordability Fund, which will provide financial aid to students across all grades, with priority given to supporting senior-year expenses. This endowment fund will continue to grow in the future while providing a consistent stream of support. Additionally, in keeping with a longstanding tradition, the Class set $2,024 aside for the St. Mark’s Fund. 

 

“I remember Nolan speaking at a Senior Class officer meeting about friends in the Class who struggled with senior year expenses,” Senior Class sponsor Bryan Boucher said. "Whether it was affording a class ring or visiting colleges and paying application fees, there was a tangible opportunity to help their fellow Marksmen."

 

From there, it didn’t take long for the officers to make up their minds. 

 

“If seniors needed help affording activities, we wanted to help them,” Marcus said. “It was a unanimous decision by the officers – and an easy decision to make.”  

While financial aid has historically been available for auxiliary expenses, like senior year activities, this is the first endowed fund earmarked specifically for senior year activity support.

The Senior Legacy Gift will provide tangible benefits to upcoming classes and have a much wider impact. This tradition illustrates the lessons of reciprocal care and serves as a powerful reminder to younger Marksmen that they are called to lead and make a positive impact on their communities. Every Senior Legacy Gift since the tradition began in 2002 is commemorated on a breadboard outside the Senior Lounge.