November 14, 2024
from Dr. Bill Hudson, head of school
When I was in middle school, I had a paper route. One advantage to having a paper route was that I had a lot of time to think, and I often dreamed of what I wanted to be when I grew up. I had it down to two options, and as I tossed a paper on each home’s front porch, I alternated between the two: “President, or Pope, President, or Pope…” Like pulling the petals off a daisy, I hoped my future would become clearer with each paper. While my dream was not ultimately realized, I was fortunate to have a number of teachers who encouraged me along the way, igniting other dreams for the future.
As we move through this vibrant season of learning, growth, and discovery, I am asking for your partnership in something truly meaningful: our annual fall giving campaign, taking place from November 17 to November 23. This year, our theme, “Igniting Dreams, One Gift at a Time,” captures our vision and commitment to fostering the potential within each MPA student.
Our theme this year also captures the powerful impact of each individual contribution. Every donation, no matter the size, plays a role in fueling students’ aspirations and helping them achieve their dreams. Each gift acts as a spark, collectively building a foundation of support that enables students to explore their passions, grow academically, and develop into compassionate, engaged individuals.
Finally, “Igniting Dreams, One Gift at a Time” speaks to the transformative nature of generosity—how every gift has the potential to “ignite” new opportunities, resources, and experiences that empower students to dream big and succeed. Ultimately, it’s a reminder that each person’s support contributes directly to a brighter future for students, one inspired and motivated gift at a time.
Next week we will celebrate our collective spirit of generosity and support for MPA’s mission. November 21, Give to the Max Day, will be an especially memorable day, with our traditional and much-loved Lip Sync Assembly, where students, teachers, and staff come together in a joyful display of school spirit and camaraderie. It’s a reminder of the unique and inspiring community we are all a part of—a community that you make possible through your support. Please join us at 2:20 PM in the Lansing Sports Center to see faculty and staff perform for students. This is a spirt wear day for all students, PreK-12.
Your gift directly impacts the quality of education and experiences our students receive, from innovative classroom resources and extracurricular programming to supporting our exceptional faculty and maintaining our beautiful campus. This year, we have several exciting challenge opportunities to maximize the impact of your gift:
- The 300K Power Match Challenge: Help us unlock a generous $100,000 matching challenge gift by reaching our goal of $300,000.
- Early Bird Challenge: The first 100 gifts of any size each trigger an additional $100 donation!
- Family Participation Goal: Reaching 100% family participation is an important goal, as it not only strengthens our campaign but also sends a strong message of unity and belief in MPA’s mission.
Please consider joining us in igniting dreams and making a difference. With a campaign goal of $400,000, we have a wonderful opportunity to deepen our impact—and each gift, no matter the size, brings us one step closer to this goal. Think of it as an investment in our students’ futures, helping them to become thoughtful, compassionate, and confident leaders. Together, let’s make this year’s annual giving drive a success, and let’s show our children that their dreams matter.
Thank you for being an essential part of the MPA community. We are grateful for your partnership, your support, and your belief in the transformative power of education.
Hold fast to dreams
For if dreams die
Life is a broken-winged bird
That cannot fly.
Hold fast to dreams
For when dreams go
Life is a barren field
Frozen with snow.
-Langston Hughes
