Senior Auction

Spotlight

seniors establish scholarship fund

What began as a fundraiser by the senior class has resulted in a gift that will benefit Marksmen for decades to come: The Class of 2022 Scholarship Fund.

Each year, the senior class hosts an auction, offering a wide variety of items and experiences donated by the members of the class. In late September, the Class of 2022 gathered in Decherd Fine Arts Center to host their own Senior Auction. In front of a crowd of parents, younger Marksmen, faculty, staff, and other friends of the School, the seniors auctioned off a wide variety of offerings donated by members of the class.

This year’s unique items included artistic creations, musical performances, athletic events, a St. Mark’s Senior flag signed by every member of the class, and much more. Seniors also offered some unforgettable experiences, drawing on their own talents in the arts, athletics, academics, and even cooking. Veteran faculty member and Director of Admission & Financial Aid David Baker once again served as emcee and auctioneer for this event, helping the boys raise more than $100,000 in less than four hours.

Proceeds from the Senior Auction provide funding for a variety of important Marksmen activities and traditions and enable the class to make a substantial contribution back to the School on the day of their graduation. This gift, known as the “Senior Legacy Gift,” is announced at the Graduate Luncheon on the day of Commencement and typically includes a directed gift to support several important school-wide priorities.

Given the unprecedented response to this year’s auction and its record-breaking financial tally, the Class of 2022 immediately approached the administration about making a significant gift to the School in addition to their Senior Legacy Gift this coming May.

Eugene McDermott Headmaster David W. Dini noted that, “within 24 hours of the Auction, senior leaders reached out to ask what they could do to help the School.” After a series of discussions, the class decided to contribute $50,000 to establish the Class of 2022 Scholarship Fund, which will provide expanded opportunities for more boys to attend St. Mark’s.

Student Council President Alex Geng ’22 articulated the Class’s decision to support this particular initiative stating, “At St. Mark’s, we value the tenets of inclusion and diversity, and we believe that every student should have the opportunity to attend the School regardless of financial status.”

In addition to establishing this endowment, the Class of 2022 also plans to continue the wellestablished Senior Gift tradition at the end of the year. The entire St. Mark’s community thanks the Senior Class for demonstrating such care, thoughtfulness, and generosity on behalf of Marksmen who will follow in their footsteps. “These boys have experienced their share of roadblocks these past few years, from a tornado to the ongoing pandemic, and our incredible community has stepped up to ensure they have a memorable final year,” said English teacher GayMarie Vaughn, who co-sponsors the Senior Class along with history teacher Bryan Boucher. “As a result, the boys wanted to return the generosity they experienced. They want to leave a legacy that demonstrates reciprocal care for their community.”