Third Give2Groton Marks School's 135th Birthday

Groton School held its third Give2Groton Day on October 15, an annual celebration of the school’s birthday marked by festivity, gratitude, and generosity.

Give2Groton began with a goal of 884 gifts in 1 day, in honor of the school’s founding in 1884. When the day was over, the total far exceeded the original goal: 1,215 gifts came in, raising a total of $1,230,446 for the Groton Fund.

 

As events were shared on social media and a Give2Groton web page, enthusiasm escalated. Various challenges—issued by trustees, parents, the Maqubelas, and individuals—encouraged many to make a gift. By lunchtime, when students gathered to write notes of thanks to those who were donating, the tally was steadily climbing. A group of trustees had offered a bonus if the original goal of 884 gifts was met, and when it was, another trustee challenge upped the challenge to 1,200 donors.

“Give2Groton is a wonderful day on and off campus. It shows the immense love this community has for its school,” said Director of Alumni Engagement Allison MacBride, who organized the day of giving. “One of my favorite moments was when students poured into the Webb Marshall Room to write thank you cards, bringing friends with them. I also loved Naa-Sakle Akuete’s message of kindness.”

 

She was referring to the morning chapel talk, delivered by Naa-Sakle Akuete '04, the founder of Eu’Genia Shea, a shea butter company that employs women in Naa-Sakle's native Ghana. The chapel talk set the tone for a day dedicated to service and gratitude.

 

It was also dedicated to fun: activities added to the celebration, from a Groton trivia contest at Roll Call, to a “Pin the Tail on the Groton Zebra” dorm competition during conference period, to one of Groton’s quirkiest and most beloved traditions—the Fifth Formers’ raucous rendition of “Blue Bottles” at sit-down dinner. 

The sit-down dinner, normally in the Dining Hall, was in the gym, which was decorated for a birthday party, with balloons, lights, and a giant cake featuring zebra stripes and the Groton shield, courtesy of Groton’s Dining Hall. 

Groton sends thanks all who participated in Give2Groton—the school thrives because of the community behind it.

Photo by Teddy Deng '20