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I had a wonderful time as a Calvert student and felt the opportunities I had were truly second to none. In addition to exceptional academics and the importance on the fundamentals of learning that prepared me for high school and beyond, I was also fortunate to development friendships that are still as strong today as when we were children. I fondly remember morning handshakes, Wednesday assemblies, athletic competitions, special teachers, and all the fun I had during my Calvert years.
When my own children were students, I enjoyed seeing Dudley ’82, Charlotte ’84, and Melissa ’93 grow and meet the challenges of their education. Now adults, they all hold advanced degrees and are successful, well-rounded individuals. I sincerely believe that their Calvert experience prepared them for all of their future endeavors, just as it prepared me.
As a Trustee, I had an even closer relationship to Calvert and continued my interest in the day school and Calvert Education Services, the homeschooling division. My experience on the Board was exceptional and helped me realize that that the Calvert Way is time-tested, respected, and well-known all over the world.
Calvert School was an important ingredient in making me the person I am today, and I want to make sure that the School that meant so much to me has a secure future. In order to attract and retain the professionals that Calvert deserves, as well as keep up with capital upgrades and refurbishments, a strong financial base is essential. It is for this reason that I support Calvert financially, and why I chose to remember the School in my estate plans. It is only natural that Calvert will continue to grow and change over the years, but supporting Calvert in this way gives me assurance that the School will be ready for the demands of the future.
David '81 & Harvey '51 Clapp
For nearly 100 years, the Clapp family has had a special connection with Calvert School. “My father, uncle, son, and I all attended Calvert,” reflects Harvey Clapp III '51. “While I can't speak for them, Calvert molded me from a terrified toddler into a cocky Twelfth Age graduate, confident that I was head and shoulders ahead of my contemporaries at other schools.” Harvey's son David's '81, favorite memories of his elementary school days are of “walking to Calvert with my father each morning. Whether we were practicing spelling words or reviewing math facts, the walk to Tuscany Road was a special one for me.”
But there is more to the Clapp family relationship with Calvert than strictly legacy. “Though my Calvert education was solid, and grounded me for future endeavors, there was also a sense of family among Calvert classmates, unusual in the other schools I have attended. This sense of kinship to the School, I suspect, is the reason that others are amazed at the sense of loyalty Calvert has inspired in its alumni over the years,” says Harvey.
That loyalty is embodied by Harvey's son, David, Calvert's Assistant Head Master. “My life with Calvert did not end after my Twelfth Age graduation. In fact, Calvert provided me with my first education, first job after college [implementing the Calvert curriculum at Barclay Elementary School in the 1990's] and some of my fondest memories and life experiences.” Coming full-circle, David now oversees curriculum and faculty development in his role as Assistant Head Master.
Ensuring that Calvert remains the best pre-secondary school in the country is a top priority for the Clapp family. “I have included Calvert in my estate plans because I am familiar with the financial pressures on private educational institutions at all levels.
Although Calvert today is far more diverse than it was 60 years ago, more economic, religious, racial, and geographic diversity would strengthen the School. To accomplish this, Calvert needs a substantial endowment to be able to attract top-quality students and superb teachers. I believe that my donation to Calvert can make a difference in these areas,” says Harvey.
David adds, “Supporting Calvert financially is paramount to its ongoing success. I believe that including Calvert in my estate plans will help ensure that the school that has given me so much continues to stay strong well into the future. I hope that one day soon, my two children will be lucky enough to enjoy the Calvert experience, and although I live too far away to walk them to School, I hope to be able to quiz them on their spelling words and math facts on the way to school in the morning.”
Albert H. Hill Michaels, Jr. '51 - Bequest
My relationship with Calvert School began in 1943 as a student and continues to this day as an alumnus, past parent, volunteer, and supporter of the School. The eight years I spent at Calvert not only gave me a foundation in the three R's that cannot be equaled, but the friendships that I made still remain strong to this day.
I was privileged to serve as President of the Alumni Association for two years and start the Calvert Classic Golf Outing which has become a fun and successful annual event. I also thoroughly enjoyed being a Calvert parent to my son Mike '80, and I now have a ball attending Grandparents' Day visiting my special friend Isabel Harris '14. Though much about the School has remained the same as when my brother, two sisters, and I were students, I feel fortunate to have witnessed the addition of the Middle School and its tremendous growth and success.
Another reason Calvert School is so special to me is because it is now the home of the Mary Molly W. Harris '13 Memorial Garden. Molly has been a bright light in my life and I take comfort in knowing that she will always be remembered in such a beautiful place.
I included Calvert in my estate plans because I wanted to ensure that the School I care for remains financially stable. Remembering Calvert School in my will is a way of saying thank you for the wonderful education my siblings, son, and I received; friendships that I made; and memories that remain close to my heart.
Matthew W. Wyskiel III '81 - Bequest
Calvert School has always held a special place in my life. It is part of the reason that I've always stayed close. Whether my relationship has been as President of the Alumni Association, as a neighbor living in Guilford, or now, as a current parent, my connection has remained strong since my school days on Tuscany Road.
The education I received and the friendships I formed while at Calvert are very special to me. In fact, my wife Christy and I decided to continue the legacy by sending our children to Calvert. Our daughter, Jamie, just finished the Eighth Age and our son, Tolliver, just finished Pilot Class. Christy and I enjoy seeing the work that they each brought home on a daily basis and we couldn't be happier with Calvert.
In order to help the School remain strong, it is important to support Calvert financially via annual giving, but Christy and I also wanted to include the School in our plans for the future. Remembering Calvert in our estate plans is a wonderful way to honor a school that continues to have such a positive impact on our lives.