By Anna Hope Emerson ’16, News Staff Writer

If you walked into the Kirby Gymnasium on January 12^th, you would not have recognized it. Massive red and white circular lamps hung from the ceiling, intricately set tables covered the hardwood, and two huge video screens stood in the corner. Thanks to the hard work and planning of the Advancement Office, Student Council, and many others, the Kirby Gym was completely transformed for the “Rise and Flourish Event” – a primary fundraiser for Newark Academy’s Campus Master Plan.

The Advancement Office’s goal is to raise $30 million over the course of the next five years. They have already raised approximately half of that ($14.5 million) in a “quiet phase” – a less public approach to fundraising mostly involving private donors. The event marked the beginning of a more public push to reach the goal. As Master of Ceremonies Ahlia Bethea’13 said, “the event was a ‘coming out’ for the Advancement Office.” Its purpose was to  publicly ask people to donate money, and to show them exactly what those donations would be used for.

The $30 million will be divided into two major categories. First, $22.5 million will fund capital improvements. These upgrades to school facilities were determined as part of the Campus Master Plan process that was finalized at the end of the 2007-2008 school year. This planning process took about two years and included students, alumni, faculty, parents, and members of the Board of Trustees. The plan considers renovations and extensions of school facilities over the next twenty years. The four main projects that have been or will be funded with the 22.5 million dollars are the new Upper School Academic Center, the improvements to the outdoor athletic facilities, the Middle School expansion, and the renovation of the Rose Auditorium.

The other $7.5 million will go towards Newark Academy’s preexisting endowment fund, that is currently around $20 million.  The endowment fund is where money that isn’t being spent is saved. It is the interest income from this account that allows Newark Academy to fund programs and provide financial aid.

The Rise and Flourish Event included a cocktail hour, a dinner, and several speeches and performances. According to the Advancement Office, what made this event truly spectacular, was the student involvement. Students served as hosts and greeters; Bethea pleased the crowd with her bubbly nature; and Diminuendo, Chameleon, and sixth grader Zach Kessel all performed. “There are lots of schools that could rent pretty party decorations and hire a good caterer”, said Ms. Grider, Head of Advancement, “but the Rise and Flourish event was special and so effective because of the involvement of our fantastic students. Our students made the whole evening rock.” In addition to the students, members of the faculty, NAPA, and the Advancement Office mingled with the guests while simultaneously working at various jobs to keep the night running smoothly.

All in all, the event was a truly successful and enjoyable evening that simultaneously embraced Newark Academy’s principles such as generosity of spirit and a standard of excellence, while at the same time looked to the bright future of the school.