Charis Drant wears many hats at Sidwell Friends School: current parent, member of the Board of Trustees, and now, the Chair of the Parents and Grandparents Campaign Committee. Charis shared her motivations for serving Sidwell Friends in these capacities.

What inspired you to take on leadership role in the Upper School renovation?

When I see how my children currently benefit from the Middle School and Athletic Center facilities, I recognize the tremendous impact of investing in facilities where our children can grow into strong leaders guided by their values.

Renovating the Upton Street property is an exciting opportunity to serve future generations of Upper School students. It will house the type of educational spaces where they can grow and thrive, meeting the needs of modern day teaching and learning while providing the informal community gathering spaces that are important elements of school life.

How are donors and campaign volunteers creating momentum for the renovation?

We have a growing group of dedicated, motivated donors and volunteers. Alumni have led the way in giving during the early part of the Campaign. We’ve also engaged fantastic parent volunteers who are spreading the word about this project. My favorite experiences involve parents of Upper School students and recent graduates reflecting on their families’ time at Sidwell Friends, and Lower School parents sharing their own anticipation. There is a real atmosphere of excitement and true expressions of gratitude for this chance to better enable the School to fulfill its mission.

When you envision the renovations complete and the new Upper School full of students, what excites you most?

I envision a bright, peaceful space that fosters learning and community: ample room for the centers outlined in our Strategic Plan, community meeting spaces, a science center with dynamic laboratories, and a library that meets modern research needs. Students and faculty will be proud of the new Upper School, because it will further enhance the education that Sidwell Friends is able to offer.