The Gift of Education: All Year. Every Year.

A reflection from Mary Coleman, Chair of the Board of Trustees

Are you looking for ways throughout the Christmas season to bring light to the world? Like you, I am also inspired to donate toys and coats for kids across Richmond.  But let’s not forget that those same children waking up to Christmas presents in December will head back to school in January. Can we turn that Christmas joy into school-year joy? All year, every year?

I don’t mean backpacks and school supplies. I mean financial investments required for students to thrive academically. Those of us blessed enough to give away money understand this. We may have attended great schools in Virginia, or in the Ivy League, or other prestigious universities and HBCUs. Discovering our God-given gifts ultimately meant more than any Christmas gift we ever received. It was our education that paved the way for the prosperity and influence we now enjoy, not a bike. Education opens doors.

“The gift of education is the greatest gift we can offer the next generation.”

Mary Coleman, Chair of the Board of Trustees

As chair of the board at Rise Academy, my appeal is that we remember the gift of education as the greatest gift we can offer the next generation. Students at Rise and other tuition-free private schools may be the recipients of our Christmas generosity, and they will be so grateful for it. But they also need well-paid teachers. They need technology and science labs. They need instruments, playing fields, and safe environments for learning. All the tools and privileges we had, they also need, and we have the power to give it to them. It requires more than good will and warm Christmas feelings. It requires intentionality and long-haul investments. 

Please join me in elevating the need to fund Rise Academy and other worthy schools that open doors of opportunity for the same students who will open a gift you wrapped for them this year.