Summit Class Donates to District 50 Years After Graduating

Fifty years after graduating from Summit High School, members of the Class of 1975 are giving back to the schools that shaped their lives. The alumni raised more than $53,000 to support students across the entire Summit public school system.

The donation was made to the Summit Educational Foundation as part of the class's 50th reunion celebration. The funding will support grants and programs benefiting students in all nine schools in the Summit district, according to Union County Life's coverage of Summit schools and community philanthropy.

For many alumni, the milestone gift reflects a long-standing connection to the district and a desire to invest in today's students. "Some of my fondest memories, and many of my closest friendships, go back to my time in the Summit school system," class member Angela Ross Valenziano said. "The teachers at Summit High were passionate in their vocation, encouraging all of their students to pursue their dreams."

The Class of 1975 set a fundraising goal of $50,000 and ultimately exceeded it, raising more than $53,000. The idea for a class gift first came up around the group's 40th reunion and gained momentum as classmates approached their 50-year milestone.

Class leaders selected the Summit Educational Foundation as the recipient because of its 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, president of the Class of 1975.

"Our Summit school experience touched our young lives in lasting ways, and that connection is still meaningful to us all these years later," class member Eric Hillenbrand said. "This gift reflects both our gratitude for what we received and our hope that today's students will benefit from the same strong foundation."

Several alumni said a recent visit to Summit High School helped reinforce their decision to contribute, offering a look at how much the school has changed and expanded its programs over five decades. The donation follows a similar effort by the Summit High School Class of 1973, which raised $73,000 during its 50th reunion.

Foundation leaders said the gift will help continue funding classroom grants and innovative educational programs for students, teachers, and staff throughout Summit's public schools.

For more Summit schools news and community philanthropy, Union County Life covers local education and civic engagement.

FAQ

Q: How much did the Summit High School Class of 1975 donate?
A: The class raised more than $53,000, exceeding their initial fundraising goal of $50,000.

Q: What is the donation being used for?
A: The funding will support grants and programs benefiting students in all nine schools throughout the Summit public school system, including classroom grants and innovative educational programs.

Q: Why did the class choose the Summit Educational Foundation?
A: Class leaders selected the foundation because of its districtwide impact, supporting programs across all schools rather than a single building or initiative.

Q: When did the idea for a class gift come about?
A: The idea for a class gift first came up around the class's 40th reunion and gained momentum as classmates approached their 50-year milestone.

Q: What did alumni say about their decision to give?
A: Alumni spoke about lasting friendships and meaningful school experiences. Class member Eric Hillenbrand said their gift "reflects both our gratitude for what we received and our hope that today's students will benefit from the same strong foundation."

Q: Is this the first large donation from a Summit High School class?
A: No. The Class of 1973 raised $73,000 during their 50th reunion, demonstrating a tradition of alumni investment in the district.

Q: Where can I find more Summit schools news?
A: Union County Life covers Summit schools announcements, community philanthropy, and education news. Subscribe to the Summit newsletter or visit unioncountylife.com for ongoing coverage.