SHS Class of 1975 Honors 50th Reunion with $53K+ Gift to SEF
Summit High School alumni mark milestone reunion by supporting SEF grants benefiting students, teachers, and administrators across Summit Public Schools.
The Summit High School Class of 1975 marked its 50th reunion with a class gift of more than $53,000 to the Summit Educational Foundation (SEF), honoring the schools that helped shape their lives and supporting students across the Summit Public Schools.
The gift reflects the lasting connection many alumni continue to feel to their years in the Summit school system and their desire to give back in a meaningful way.
“Some of my fondest memories, and many of my closest friendships, go back to my time in the Summit school system,” said Angela Ross (Valenziano), a 1975 graduate. “The teachers at Summit High were passionate in their vocation, encouraging all of their students to pursue their dreams. I was happy to join my fellow classmates in supporting the important work SEF does to create opportunities for current and future generations of Summit students.”
Members of the Class of 1975 embraced the idea of a substantial class gift as a tribute to how meaningful their Summit public school experience remains even 50 years later.
“Our Summit school experience touched our young lives in lasting ways, and that connection is still meaningful to us all these years later,” said Eric Hillenbrand, SHS ’75. “This gift reflects both our gratitude for what we received and our hope that today’s students will benefit from the same strong foundation.”
The idea for a class gift began during the Class of 1975’s 40th reunion and gained momentum as classmates approached their 50th reunion milestone.
“The Summit High Class of ’73 set a high bar with a class gift to SEF of $73,000 to commemorate their 50th reunion,” said Peter Laughlin, SHS ’75. “That example resonated, showing us that a goal once thought unattainable was more than possible. For our 50th reunion, we set a goal of $50,000, and exceeded it. Our hope is that future SHS 50th reunion classes will follow this lead.”
After considering ways to support Summit High School and the broader school system, the Class of 1975 chose SEF as the recipient of its gift because of the foundation’s districtwide impact.
“The Summit Educational Foundation was the first choice as the recipient of our class gift because of the breadth of programs it supports,” said Larry Lauer, SHS ’75 Class President. “That broad impact appealed to so many of our classmates and made this a meaningful way to give back.”
The class’s enthusiasm grew even stronger following a tour of Summit High School led by Principal Stacy Grimaldi.
“Our visit to the high school made a real impression,” said Mark Di Ionno, SHS ’75. “Stacy’s passion for education and the well-being of students was evident throughout the tour. It was inspiring to see the forward-looking opportunities available to students today and to understand how SEF helps make so much of that possible.”
SEF leaders expressed appreciation for the Class of 1975’s generosity and commitment to public education.
“We are incredibly grateful to the Summit High School Class of 1975 for this thoughtful gift,” said Susan Daniel, Co-President of the Summit Educational Foundation. “Their support helps SEF continue to fund innovative grants that benefit students, teachers and administrators across all nine Summit Public Schools.”