Seniors Plant Plastic Flamingos—and Seeds of Long-Term Giving
Flocks of flamingos have been invading the front yards of Principia families on and around campus for the past week. But these true-blue Principians are taking it in stride.
For one thing, they know these birds will “migrate” to greener pastures (or, rather, lawns) within 48 hours. But even better, for a donation of just $15 to the senior class, these families get to pick the next destination for the neon-pink lawn ornaments as part of an elaborate “Flamingo Flock” prank.
The Class of 2014 is counting on local Principia families’ sense of humor and willingness to help raise money for the traditional senior class gift to the School. But more than that, the leaders of the senior class are counting on their classmates to start thinking now for the long term about “how to take care of what’s been given to us at Principia—and to be able to pass it on to others,” as Maddi Demaree, one of the class’s two co-presidents, puts it.
Together, Maddi, her co-president Ben Swank, and treasurer Tanner Walters have racked up almost 40 years of schooling at Principia and participated in pretty much every athletic and extracurricular activity available. (Maddi and Ben were co-class presidents back in first grade, too!) So it’s not surprising the three of them have a lot to say about the value of a Principia education—and they want the Class of 2014 to help say it loud and clear with their senior gift.
Hoping to top the record of just over $5,200 raised by the class of 2011, the three student leaders started strategizing their junior year. Over the summer, they sought out Alumni, Field Relations, and Annual Giving Director Donna Gibbs for some pointers. During that discussion, the idea of inculcating an ethic of early and continued giving took root in their thought.
Then at the start of the semester, they began shortlisting some creative ideas. They realized that getting 71 high schoolers to agree on specifics wouldn’t be easy, but they were pretty confident their classmates would come through with plenty of enthusiasm and energy. “And because we all care for each other,” Tanner explained, “we’ll figure it out.”
He was right! In addition to the always-popular Donut Thursdays (where seniors bring in fresh donuts to sell), this year’s fundraisers include a car wash, a dog wash, a Parents’ Prom, and, of course, the dreaded Flamingo Flock. Just one week into this caper, “Every house we’ve sent them to has designated the next house,” Tanner said. “Everybody has loved the idea and it's been really fun!”
At the root of all these fundraising efforts is one thing the three leaders are sure their classmates agree on—the blessings each of them has gained at Principia. When asked for just one highlight, Ben quickly responded, “It’s the teachers and coaches! They are so enthusiastic about what they do and they care so much—so I’m always excited to learn or play under them.”
“It’s the people,” Tanner agreed. “I’m so grateful they’ve been a part of my life.” Maddi echoed this sentiment, noting, “The atmosphere that these individuals create and promote is so supportive and fun.”