“Hearing alumni stories and seeing how people still care about George School years later makes me realize that what we do as students becomes part of that larger story,” shared Advancement Student Leader Adhya Abi ’28. “Advancement isn’t just about fundraising, but about storytelling and gratitude. Being able to connect as a current student to alumni and to the community helped me understand George School as a given place that we’re caretaking.”

Ever wondered about the students behind the phone during the Great Green Give? 

Led by their supportive and passionate leader, Associate Director of Engagement and the George School Fund Adrienne Hessert, the Advancement Student Leader team has grown in impact and size since its inception. As a formal leadership position this school year, a group of 15 selected students work with Adrienne to support fundraising efforts for the George School Fund, in addition to planning engagement events. 

“They’re such a great resource for us and I’m so proud of them. It’s such a gift to be able to work with them!” shared Director of Engagement and the George School Fund Kelliann Carroll. 

The leaders are known for their support during the Great Green Give, our annual phonathon, but their influence goes much farther: Advancement Student Leaders connect with alumni and educate the community about the value of giving. Read in their words what makes being a part of the group so meaningful. 

What inspired you to get involved as an Advancement Student Leader?

Haree Kumar ’27: “I’m motivated to help support the school’s growth and future. I’m inspired by the opportunity to help build community, create meaningful connections and contribute to positive change on campus.”

Julian Borland-DeMara ’27: “I was inspired to get involved after participating in the Great Green Give for two years and seeing how strong the community was in terms of advancing the school and helping the community. I wanted not only to participate one Friday out of the year, but also help out whenever else I could.”

We often refer to George School as a “Given Place.” What does that mean to you?

Zoe Ahaghotu ’27: “It means that George School is a place to learn and grow, not only to create my legacy, but to also make room for the many other students yet to come.”

Arthur Dao ’26: “We recognize how much we are given and entrusted as students. We are given countless extraordinary opportunities. Being part of George School comes with both gratitude and responsibility to use what we’ve been given thoughtfully and to give back.”

What is your favorite part about being an Advancement Student Leader?

Zoe Dao ’28: “Talking to alumni and learning more about their experiences at George School! When I make calls, the people on the other end often talk to me about how the school helped them. They share some of their stories and sometimes ask for my stories and perspectives, and I enjoy noticing how things change over time.”

Rosalyn Ma ’27: “My favorite part is being able to connect with peers and current George School members, and being able to connect with the greater network of alumni and community members, like those from Pennswood Village.”

Athena Cheng ’28: “As the year goes along, you really do get the experience of how things work here at GS! The hands-on experience with planning events, such as the Great Green Give, shows how much effort goes into our everyday lives as students.”

Why is it important for students to give to George School? 

Arthur Dao ’26: “Giving builds a culture of gratitude, of responsibility and most importantly, community. Giving as a student shows appreciation for all of the opportunities, support and education we receive from the school, and it reinforces the idea that everyone plays a role in helping the school.” 

Adhya Abi ’28: “Giving turns the school from something you simply receive into something you actively help sustain. As students, we benefit every day from a community built by the time, care and generosity of people who came before us, such as alumni, teachers and staff. These people invest in the place and to build it into the school that we know and love. Giving is a way of acknowledging that inheritance.”

What is something that the GS community may not know about giving and fundraising?

Lisa Le ’26: “Each gift counts a lot towards our fundraiser event, no matter the value.”

Rosalyn Ma ’27: “A lot of people put off donating because they feel that a small amount won't even make a difference, but in reality, every single dollar makes a huge difference in supporting a thriving GS community.”

Support the Advancement Student Leaders and the rest of the George School community during this year’s Great Green Give as they strive to reach their goal of 1,000 donors by the end of February 20, 2026.

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Make your gift here (early gifts count!) and check your inbox and social media for Great Green Give updates, matching challenges and the opportunity to win George School swag.