Why I Give

Tom Rollins, Inspiration Behind the Debate Team, New Parent

There are few things that excite new parent Tom Rollins more than debating. “It was my sport in high school and college, and it was how I met girls,” he says. When his son Tommy, who is now in second grade, first came to Potomac there was no debate team; so Tom approached Head of School Geoff Jones and discovered that he too had a passion for debating.

With Geoff’s full support, Tom organized the School’s first debate team, coached it himself for a year, and now makes a significant annual gift to sustain it. The team ended its first season by competing in a Harvard-sponsored debate and has since had success at other nationally competitive tournaments.

Tom’s gift of time and financial support to the debate team was just the beginning. He has also committed a significant gift to the Campaign. “My son is having a terrific experience at Potomac. I’m astounded by the quality of work of his teachers – it’s beyond my wildest imagining of what early childhood education can be like. They really know my son. If this School needs more resources, I want to help.”

“I think the School is extraordinary, and the dreams for what the new School could be are invigorating – almost intoxicating. I’m thrilled to be a part of that.”

Gary Hill, Graduate of Class of 1979

Although Gary Hill, graduate of the 9th grade class of 1979, now lives in California, he is as committed to The Potomac School as when he was a student here. “Potomac changed my life,” says Gary. “The school exposed me to a different world with great friendships, a strong community feel and traditions, and an educational opportunity I couldn’t have gotten anywhere else. It was the beginning of my educational path.”

Gary grew up in southeast Washington, D.C. and proudly claims that his family is a “ Potomac family.” His mother, Wanda Hill, taught music here in the 1970’s, and his brother Stephen graduated in 1976.

Gary’s wholehearted support of the Campaign stems from his belief that, while its core mission remains steady, the School must have the resources to bolster faculty development, update facilities, and diversify the student body.

“Potomac looks different but it is still true to its values. The school is growing up. I want to be a part of supporting the development of the entire institution so that other kids can have as meaningful an experience as I did – maybe even someday my own 2-year old son, Charlie.”

Patty Kehoe, Lower & Middle School Parent

Patty Kehoe is so involved in the activities of The Potomac School that Head of School Geoff Jones asked her if she wanted to put up a cot and spend the night. She loves the School and her two daughters, Clare in 4th grade, and Caroline, in 2nd grade, love going here. The moment Patty saw The Potomac School she knew it was unique. She says that Potomac is responsible for making Clare who she is today – well-rounded in the arts, music, sports, and academics and a leader in her class. Patty is now making sure that Caroline has the same opportunity.

“The School now needs our help in so many ways – building a strong Endowment to keep our excellent teachers and replacing the Lower School which is in disrepair,” Patty says. “I believe we must get full participation from the Potomac community to make it happen. We all need to embrace where our kids go to school; it’s such a big part of our lives.”

Cort Morgan, Upper School Art Teacher

In 1904, The Potomac School was a noble experiment. One hundred years later, our founding ideals have proven worthy, but we will always be a work in progress. Our communal enterprise is dynamic, and in some ways, fragile. We depend on generosity of spirit, and of course, of means, to thrive and to advance. I gave to The Campaign for Potomac’s Future because I believe in our mission of cultivating the collective conscience and the collective intelligence of a human community. Our environment of intense inquiry and respectful informality, for all participants, is rare. The benefits of The Potomac School experience, for students, alumni, faculty, staff, parents, and friends are deep and undeniable.

Ramin Oskoui, MD '78 , Lower School Parent

Ramin Oskoui , MD ’78 has offered a special challenge to encourage members of the Class of ’78 to support The Campaign for Potomac’s Future. If fellow classmates who have not yet contributed to the Campaign will pledge to commit gifts totaling $50,000 by the end of 2007, Dr. Oskoui will match that total.

“Despite my nostalgia for our modest Lower School I have come to realize how much a new building is needed. My family has made this our charitable priority and we hope many others join us in learning more about it and considering how they can help.”